TMJ disorders (jaw joint pain) is a more specific area of concern in the Craniofacial realm. It can masquerade as so many other conditions; it often is difficult to diagnosis.
What are the Symptoms:
Your "incurable" headache, ear or facial pain could be generated by your jaw joints, bite and spasm in the associated facial musculature. Even swallowing difficulty and snoring can be related to TMJ disorders, as well as fullness and ringing in the ears.
Along with the orthotic the specialist may also recommend:
- Exercise therapy
- Physical therapy
- Therapeutic massage therapy
- Use of muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy modalities
Conservative Treatment:
Since the teeth, jaw joints and muscles can all be involved, conservative treatment for this condition varies. Typically, treatment will involve several phases. The first goal is to relieve the muscle spasm, pain, and inflammation. Then the specialist must correct the way the jaws relate to each other. This is accomplished by a removable device known as an orthotic/splint which is worn over the lower teeth until the bite is stabilized and muscles are relaxes and coordinated.