What is tmj and what are the treatments?

TMJ Treatment: Tmj stands for temporal mandibular joint. The term is commonly used to describe symptoms associated with disfunction of some sort. Treatment may be a simple as a night guard or slightly recountouring some theeth or it can be much more extensive such as orthodontics or full mouth reconstruction (crowns on all teeth). Under certain circumstances medications may be used for symptomatic relief.

TMJ: Tmj stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the name of the jaw joint. Disorders of this joint and the associated muscles best managed with conservative therapies that include rest, ice/heat, physical therapy, antiinflammatory medications and in some cases, oral splints. Non reversabile therapies such as tooth gringing, orthodontics and surgery are rarely necessary and not recommended.

Muscle Spasm: To my mind cause is masseter muscle asymmetric function, with one weak & other hypertropic and spastic.  physical therapy, biofeedback, and correction of any underlying chronic head tilting is likely to help. various causation theories prescribe a variety of treatments.  my own observation has been chronic head tilting (manifest as unequal superior trapezium) & muscle spasm. Pain board quora.Com.

A few things: 3 signs of TMJ dysfunction: joint noises, joint pain & limited oral opening. Self treat with soft diet, jaw exercises, massage, heat/cold, OTC pain meds. A splint or physical therapy would be next. Occasionally muscle relaxants, biofeedback. Xrays are done for diagnosis. Surgery usually reserved for serious symptoms not responsive to other treatments.

See OFP specialist: Orofacial Pain provides diagnosis and management of pain in the face, TMJ disorders, locking jaw as well as, associated headaches and neck pain. Orofacial pain patients can be treated with conservative, non-surgical and reversible procedures. They are the experts in this field.