If you’re dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort while chewing, there’s a chance you’re experiencing TMJ disorder. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the joints connecting your jaw to your skull. While TMJ disorder can cause significant pain and impact your daily life, it’s often misunderstood. In fact, most people dealing with TMJ issues have two main questions:
- What is causing my TMJ pain?
- How can I find relief from TMJ pain?
In this article, we’ll explore these questions in detail and explain how Dr. Curtis Westersund, a TMJ dentist in Calgary, can help you understand and treat your TMJ pain effectively.
1. What is Causing My TMJ Pain?
TMJ pain can manifest in many ways—jaw pain, facial discomfort, headaches, earaches, neck pain, or even shoulder tension. One of the biggest questions people ask is, “What is causing my TMJ pain?”
The answer can vary from person to person, but here are some common causes of TMJ pain:
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
One of the leading causes of TMJ pain is teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. This often occurs at night, when you’re not even aware of it. Grinding your teeth places excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint, leading to inflammation and pain.
Jaw Misalignment or Bite Issues
When your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can cause your jaw to be out of alignment. Over time, this misalignment puts strain on the TMJ and the surrounding muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. This is often referred to as a “bad bite” or malocclusion, and correcting it can help alleviate TMJ symptoms.
Stress and Muscle Tension
Stress can play a significant role in TMJ disorder. When you’re stressed, you may unconsciously clench your jaw or tighten the muscles in your face and neck, leading to TMJ pain. Chronic tension can wear down the joints and cause inflammation, resulting in persistent jaw pain.
Injury or Trauma
A direct injury to the jaw, head, or neck can lead to TMJ disorder. Even years after the injury, the trauma can affect the way your jaw functions, causing ongoing pain and stiffness.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the TMJ can lead to pain and inflammation in the jaw. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joint, leading to chronic discomfort and reduced mobility.
2. How Can I Find Relief from TMJ Pain?
Once you understand what might be causing your TMJ pain, the next big question is, “How can I find relief?” Fortunately, TMJ disorder is treatable, and with the right care, you can alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Custom Orthotics and Splints
One of the most effective treatments for TMJ pain is the use of custom orthotic devices. These devices are designed to reposition your jaw and improve its alignment, reducing the strain on your TMJ. Dr. Curtis Westersund, a TMJ dentist in Calgary, uses advanced technology to create custom-fitted orthotics that can provide relief from TMJ jaw pain.
Bite Correction
In cases where a misaligned bite is the root cause of TMJ pain, correcting the bite can be the solution. This may involve orthodontics or dental restorations that help realign your teeth and jaw. By ensuring that your bite is properly balanced, you can reduce the strain on your TMJ and eliminate pain.
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
Since stress and tension can contribute to TMJ disorder, managing stress is an important part of treatment. Dr. Westersund may recommend techniques such as meditation, physical therapy, or massage therapy to help you relax your muscles and reduce jaw clenching.
Physical Therapy and Jaw Exercises
Physical therapy can be a highly effective way to reduce TMJ pain. A therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles around your jaw, improving its function and reducing discomfort. These exercises can also help improve posture, which is often a contributing factor to TMJ pain.
TMJ Surgery (in Severe Cases)
In rare cases, when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be considered to correct structural problems within the TMJ. This option is usually reserved for severe or persistent cases, and Dr. Westersund will thoroughly evaluate your condition to determine if surgery is necessary.
Why Addressing TMJ Pain Early is Crucial
If you’re suffering from TMJ pain, you might be tempted to wait and see if the problem resolves on its own. However, delaying treatment can make the situation worse. TMJ disorder often progresses over time, leading to more severe pain, joint damage, and other complications.
By seeking treatment early, you can prevent further damage to your temporomandibular joint and find relief faster. Dr. Curtis Westersund at Dentalife in Calgary has years of experience helping patients with TMJ pain, and his comprehensive approach ensures that you receive personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
Dr. Curtis Westersund: Your Solution for TMJ Pain in Calgary
Dr. Curtis Westersund is a leading TMJ dentist in Calgary with expertise in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. At Dentalife, Dr. Westersund combines advanced technology with years of experience to provide effective relief for patients suffering from TMJ jaw pain. Whether your TMJ pain is caused by teeth grinding, a bad bite, stress, or another factor, Dr. Westersund can create a customized treatment plan to help you get back to living pain-free.
Don’t Wait – Take Action for TMJ Pain Relief
TMJ pain can have a serious impact on your life, but waiting for it to go away on its own is not the answer. The sooner you address the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder, the sooner you can find relief. Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing, taking action now can prevent further complications and help you enjoy a better quality of life.
If you’re looking for effective TMJ treatment in Calgary, Dr. Curtis Westersund at Dentalife is here to help. Don’t wait—schedule a TMJ consultation today and start your journey toward lasting relief from TMJ pain.
