TMJ Treatment – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Find Freedom from Jaw Pain
TMJ disorder, which may also be referred to as TMD or simply TMJ, is a problem that afflicts millions of people. It occurs when the joints that connect the lower jaw to the rest of the head suffer damage or stress. These joints, called the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are complex and delicate, so if you are looking to find freedom from jaw pain, you might require professional orthopedic treatment from our Fort Lauderdale team. Continue reading below to learn more about TMD and how it may be addressed.
Why Choose the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics for TMJ Treatment?
- Conservative Treatment Options
- BOTOX Injections Provide Fast Pain Relief
- Highly Skilled & Knowledgeable Team
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
Sadly, TMD is often misdiagnosed because it can cause a wide variety of symptoms, some of which do not seem to be directly related to the jaw and jaw joints. In our practice, we have on-staff experts who can thoroughly assess your symptoms and determine whether or not TMD is to blame for your suffering.
How can you know whether you should be evaluated for TMD? Here are some symptoms to look for:
- Persistent jaw pain
- Chewing difficulties
- Locking or popping sensations in the jaw
- Sore facial muscles
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Pain in the neck, back, and shoulder areas
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Limited jaw mobility
Treatments for TMJ Disorder
There are several treatments that may be able to provide relief from TMD symptoms. After a thorough examination, we might determine that you are a candidate for:
- BOTOX injections. Strategically placed BOTOX injections can reduce the movement of muscles around the TMJs and allow them to relax. As a result, you may experience a large reduction in pain and other symptoms. BOTOX can last for several months at a time, and it is often used in combination with other treatments that aim to address the main cause of TMD.
- Cranial osteopathy . Cranial osteopathy is a special type of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) that focuses on careful and intentional manipulation of the head and spine. This type of therapy has proven to be an effective way to relieve TMD symptoms for many patients.
- Other treatments. Depending on the details of your unique case, we might recommend a range of other treatments. For example, we may teach you some exercises that can stretch and strengthen your jaw and the surrounding muscles. In some situations, we refer patients to other specialists so they can receive the care that would be most beneficial for their specific situation.
How Can Orthopedics Help?
There are a few branches of the medical community that offer treatments for TMJ disorder. For example, many dentists and chiropractors can help patients find relief. However, orthopedic care is often desirable because orthopedic experts understand the nuances of how the musculoskeletal system works. We seek to provide effective care in a manner that is as conservative as possible and that works in harmony with your body’s natural processes.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
If you are struggling with persistent jaw pain and TMD symptoms, our non-surgical orthopedics team in Fort Lauderdale is ready to help you find relief! However, we acknowledge that you may want to learn more before you visit us. Below, you will find answers to some relevant questions. If your specific points of interest are not addressed here, feel free to reach out to us directly.
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
Some TMJ treatment methods, such as BOTOX, are designed to provide fast pain relief. However, they do not address the root cause of the problem. Other treatments do aim to treat the primary cause of TMD symptoms. In many cases, a combination of treatments is the best way to produce both long-term and short-term symptom relief.
Our team will strive to determine why you are in pain so we can recommend the treatments that are most likely to support the long-term wellness of your jaw joints.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
Most treatments for TMJ disorder are very low-risk. For example, cranial osteopathy is a form of gentle manual manipulation that is completely non-invasive. As long as it is performed by a qualified practitioner, there is very little chance of something going wrong. BOTOX injections are also well-tolerated by the vast majority of patients.
Some other forms of treatment carry a higher degree of risk. For example, a small percentage of patients need to visit an oral surgeon for corrective jaw surgery. Due to the invasive nature of the procedure, there is a slightly greater chance of complications.
Is BOTOX for TMJ Safe?
BOTOX is the brand name of a diluted form of botulinum toxin, which is produced by a particular type of bacteria. That might sound a little off-putting, but the truth is that BOTOX has been used in medical settings for decades, and severe adverse reactions to it are rare, especially when it is administered by a well-trained professional.
Some patients experience mild side effects after BOTOX injections, such as headaches, bruising, and nausea. These issues usually wear off fairly quickly after treatment.
Is TMJ Treatment Expensive?
The cost of TMJ treatment depends on the type of treatment that is required in each case. When you visit us for a consultation, we can discuss some specific numbers and familiarize you with our financial policies. We welcome insurance, and we are always eager to do what we can to help patients afford care.
Some forms of TMJ treatment can seem pricey. However, they are worthwhile due to their potential to improve your quality of life, support your overall health, and preserve the long-term wellness of your jaw joints.
