Personal Injury Attorneys
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, and it refers to the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. This joint serves as a hinge, and it allows for people to move their mouths in several directions, including up and down, side-to-side, and back and forth. It also helps to absorb shock from chewing. To fix TMJ issues, a dentist must complete a TMJ treatment.
Who Has TMJ?
It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans suffer from some form of TMJ disorder. The disorder can be caused by bruxism (teeth grinding), misalignment of teeth, trauma or injury to the joint, arthritis or stress. Women are two times more likely to suffer from this condition than men. Symptoms include pain in the jaw area upon movement of the mouth, headaches, neck pain, dizziness and earaches. As many personal injury attorneys can attest, TMJ can be caused by trauma from an unexpected accident, which is why attorneys always encourage their clients to seek medical attention immediately after an accident — which includes going to the dentist for possible oral health issues.
Famous People With TMJ
It is reported that several famous people have been diagnosed with TMJ, including celebrities like Kim Kardashian and singer Celine Dion. In a 2016 interview, Kim revealed she has suffered from it for years. Celine Dion’s muse, René Angélil, passed away in 2016 due to the complications of TMJ disorder. Other famous figures who are known to suffer from this condition include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Selena Gomez and Joe Rogan.
Has any new TMJ research come out in the past year?
Recent research has uncovered several new insights about TMJ. One study published in 2020 found that certain hormones could play a role in the onset of the disorder. Scientists also believe that there is a link between mental health and TMJ, suggesting that people with anxiety or depression may be more likely to experience it. Additionally, researchers have suggested that there is an association between bruxism and sleep apnea, which could be behind some cases of TMJ.
How much money is put into TMJ research in the US each year?
According to the National Institute of Health, approximately $90 million has been placed in research grants for TMJ in the United States annually since 2018. These grants are used to fund a wide range of studies, from basic laboratory study to clinical trials, with the aim of finding new treatments and cures for TMJ.
What are common treatments for TMJ?
Common treatments for TMJ include physical and occupational therapy, lifestyle changes such as how you eat, relaxation exercises, and medications. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Splints are also used to reduce pain and reduce stress on the joints. Noninvasive treatments such as ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and trigger point injection can also be used in some cases. If you believe that you are suffering from TMJ, contact a dentist near you for help immediately to treat this.