Occasional pain or irritation in the jaw area may indicate a bigger problem – the presence of a TMJ disorder. TMJ disorders are frustrating and painful conditions that can make it difficult to talk and chew food. In fact, any slight movement of the jaw can cause intense pain.
Dr. Vivian Bucay can help you learn more about TMJ disorders, give you a diagnosis, and create a treatment plan.
What are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders are classified as conditions that cause pain or discomfort in the jaw. Pain can occur in the actual jaw joint or the muscles surrounding it.
It is unclear exactly what causes TMJ disorders. Sometimes it can be caused by a recent injury to the jaw, other times it can be caused by a co-occurring medical condition, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
What are Some Symptoms Associated with TMJ Disorders?
Most of the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders occur to the jaw or surrounding facial area. The most common symptoms include muscle stiffness, a pain that radiates from the jaw joint and moves to the neck or face, a feeling that the jaw joint is locked, increase in headaches, or a popping or clicking sound when the jaw joint is moved.
Every person’s symptoms are different. Some individuals will only exhibit one of these symptoms, while others exhibit them all.
How are TMJ Disorders Diagnosed?
Dr. Vivian Bucay and her staff typically diagnosis TMJ disorders by taking a detailed overview of your symptoms and by conducting a visual exam of the jaw area. We try to get a detailed overview of the symptoms you are exhibiting, as this helps us not only diagnosis TMJ disorders, but find you the right treatment.
How are TMJ Disorders Treated at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics?
Many patients have found temporary pain relief with the help of Botox. Patients have found that injecting a small amount of Botox into the jaw muscles helps to relieve tension. Once tension is relieved, pain and discomfort in the jaw joints and surrounding areas tends to temporarily go away.
Scheduling a consultation at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics allows you to explore using Botox as treatment option for TMJ disorders.