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.