The TMJ (Temporo Mandibular Joint) is located on both sides of the face, just in front of our ears, being the junction point between the lower jaw (as a mobile part) and the upper jaw (as a fixed part). Its functionality is of vital importance, working as a synchronized hinge that allows us to make movements such as closing and opening the mouth, or lateral movements, so necessary in our daily life such as eating or talking, among many other functions.
All this complex structure is supported by ligaments and muscles that come from different parts of the head and neck, being of vital importance that the whole area works harmoniously so that the functionality of the TMJ is not affected.
What are the most common TMJ disorders?
This much needed harmony between different anatomical parts of our body can be compromised by many causes. Among the most common are occlusion problems, bruxism and injuries resulting from a traffic accident.
In relation to the latter reason, after suffering a traffic accident we can be diagnosed with LATIGA, also called Whiplash, which manifests itself by an intense pain in the cervical region due to the impact suffered. This produces a rapid, abrupt and energetic movement of the neck, backwards and forwards, causing a violent muscle spasm, which can trigger problems in the neighboring structures, including the TMJ. This, in turn, could cause dysfunction in the masticatory mechanics, pathologies in the joint (TMJ), dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), among others.
What to do in case of a TMJ disorder and where to go?
Probably the first thing the patient is advised to do is to visit a physiotherapist, which is correct, since through relaxation exercises can alleviate most of the symptoms.
Also the visit to a traumatologist, being likely to place a neck brace to the patient. However, if this were the case, this could worsen the situation, since it can trigger chronic pain due to the compression of the joint (TMJ) between the weight of the head and the chin, which continually rests on the chin, as well as cause problems at the oral level.
Finally, the specialist in Dentistry and Stomatology can detect many of these problems in the TMJ and establish the most appropriate treatment, as well as collaboration with other specialists.