A 41-year-old member asked:
what is tmj (temporomandibular joint)? what kind of health probides handle tmj disorders and what are the symptoms?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gary Sandler answered
Dentistry 54 years experience
TMJ\TMD: The term "tmj" stands for temporomandibular joint, and is the name of the two joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. Many people suffer from tmd (temporomandibular dysfunction) which referes to a host of problems such as pain on opening\closing, joint noises, locking of the jaw, etc. General dentists, orthodontists, prosthodontists (and mfos) can treat this. A few specialize in this.
5268 views

Dr. Joseph Kim answered
Dentistry 26 years experience
Jaw pain by the ear: The TMJ describes the anatomical junction of 4 muscles on each side of the jaw bone. Problems can be as simple as 'popping' noises to complex situations that require surgery. Most TMJ issues are very complex and successful treatment may include all facets of oral surgery, dentistry and physical therapy. But certainly, early detection is key to identifying problems before they become severe.
5268 views

Dr. Elizabeth Robles answered
Orthodontics 26 years experience
TMJ: Tmj or temporomandibular joint is the actual area of the jaw joint in front of the ear - the dental professional that usually can help determine the cause, as there are many causative factors, would be an orthodontist to start. There are many causes and symptoms of tmd (temporomandibular dysfunction), but the best place could be a referral from your general dentist or an orthodontist.
5268 views

Dr. Louis Gallia answered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 45 years experience
Jaw Joint: The TMJ is the jaw joints. Any patient can have treatment regardless of other health conditions. The classic triad of TMJ symptoms are joint pain, limited oral opending and joint noises. Many other symptoms possible.
3070 views
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A 52-year-old member asked:
Does moving an arthritic joint have a negative or positive effect upon that joint's lubrication?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joel McClurg answered
Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery
Positive: The bulk of the scientific literature suggest that gentle, frequent full range of motion increases joint lubrication, decrease joint stiffness and improves arthritic symptoms.
6302 views
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A 23-year-old member asked:
How could you tell if a joint is swollen?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joel McClurg answered
Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery
Compare it: Orthopedics is great in that almost every single joint in the body has a double. During physical examination we always compare one side to the other in assessing whether there is swelling.
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A 32-year-old member asked:
How do you tell if there is fluid in a joint?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Luis Villaplana answered
Internal Medicine 35 years experience
Joint effusions: Fluid in a joint will cause swelling, redness, and heat as well as difficulty straightening and bending
6118 views
A 36-year-old member asked:
What does flexing a joint mean exactly?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Albert Pizzo answered
Family Medicine 60 years experience
Flexing: Flexing a joint is that activity which brings the bones that form the joint in closer proximity to each other. For example flexing the right elbow joint describes that movement when the right hand is moved to the right shoulder, narrowing the angle made by the lower arm meeting the upper arm.
6226 views
A 27-year-old member asked:
Is sacroiliac joint dysfunction chronic, or will I recover completely?
2 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Kenneth Cheng answered
Family Medicine 31 years experience
Depends: Si joint dysfunction can be chronic or acute, depending on the cause and length of time one has had symptoms. In general, si joint dysfunction is due to inflammation of the si joint; prolonged inflammation can result in arthritic changes to the joint surface. Inflammation can be reversed (thus tends to be acute) but arthritic changes can not be reversed. See your doctor if in prolonged pain.
6238 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Mar 19, 2015
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