TMJ Pain Treatment in Pueblo, CO

Do you ever experience pain or discomfort in your jaw while chewing, talking, or even just opening your mouth? If so, you may be suffering from TMJ pain, and this discomfort can impact your daily life and hinder normal activities.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ pain refers to any discomfort or pain in this area, including facial pain and headaches.

The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure that allows you to move your jaw up and down as well as side-to-side. It's responsible for helping you chew, speak, and even yawn. When something goes wrong with this joint, it can cause significant discomfort. 

Various factors can contribute to TMJ pain. It may be caused by an injury or trauma to the jaw area. Alternatively, teeth grinding or clenching can put pressure on the joints and lead to discomfort over time. Collectively, problems involving the TMJ are called TMJ disorders or TMDs. 

It's important to not ignore TMJ-related symptoms as they could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as arthritis or inflammation of the joints. If left untreated, these conditions could worsen and cause chronic pain, in addition to affecting your overall health. 

Keep reading to learn more about the most common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders so that you can identify and have them addressed.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?

TMJ pain caused by TMD can be debilitating and make even the simplest tasks painful. The symptoms of TMD vary from person to person, but some common signs include the following: 

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint area: This is one of the most apparent symptoms of TMD. Pain may range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pains that radiate throughout the face. 
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth: People with TMD often complain about difficulty when trying to open their mouths wide enough to eat or speak. 
• Clicking or popping sounds when you chew: Another indicator that something might be wrong with your jaw joint is hearing clicking, popping, or grinding noises while chewing. 

• Headaches: Headaches are another symptom of TMJ pain since it affects the muscles around your head and neck. 
• Earache-like pain: You may feel like you have an earache without any infection present due to nerve involvement in this condition. 
• Discomfort around your face and jaws: This discomfort can also indicate underlying issues within your jaw joints.

If you experience any such issues consistently, schedule a consultation with Dr. Beck at TMJ Sleep Colorado. Dr. Beck is the only is the only doctor in Pueblo board-certified for providing oral appliance therapy for TMJ disorders and craniofacial pain. 

What Causes TMD?

TMJ pain can be caused by any one of various factors, and the primary cause is often difficult to determine. In some cases, it may be due to an injury or trauma to the jaw. This could happen from direct impact or repetitive motions such as clenching or grinding teeth. 

Another common cause of TMJ pain is stress. When we are under stress, we tend to hold tension in our jaw muscles which can lead to discomfort and inflammation over time. 

Malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth can also contribute to TMJ issues as it causes strain on the jaw joint when biting down or chewing food. 

Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint can also result in TMJ problems due to inflammation and damage that develops over time. Additionally, hormonal imbalances have been linked with an increased risk of developing TMJ pain among women. 

At TMJ Sleep Colorado, we know how important it is to not only address symptoms but also to identify any underlying causes when treating TMJ pain effectively. Seeking professional care early from our specialist, Dr. Beck, can help prevent long-term damage and improve your overall quality of life. 

How Is TMJ Pain Treated?

Treatment for TMJ pain can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. If home remedies such as applying heat or ice to the affected area, practicing stress-reducing techniques, and performing jaw exercises do not provide relief, or if the condition is affecting your day-to-day life, you should schedule a consultation with our TMJ specialist, Dr. Beck. 

Seeking professional medical advice is essential for the proper diagnosis and treatment of TMJ pain. Dr. Beck holds a double certification for the treatment of TMJ disorders as well as sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. He has been awarded the status of Diplomate in the treatment of TMJ disorders by the American Board of Craniofacial Pain and in Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine. As the only doctor in Pueblo with these credentials, Dr. Beck can provide specialized treatment with oral appliances to address symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Oral appliances such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) for TMJ pain are similar to mouthguards and reduce stress on the jaw joints and muscles. They are an efficient, cost-effective, and convenient treatment for TMJ-related pain. Dr. Beck can provide several options depending on your specific symptoms and customizes these oral appliances to address particular concerns, helping patients live better and healthier lives. 

With appropriate care and management strategies tailored to their needs, we help patients with TMJ disorders experience significant relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life. 

To learn more about TMJ pain and the treatment options we offer, visit TMJ Sleep Colorado at 1619 N Greenwood St #308, Pueblo, CO 81003, or call us at (719) 544-0901.