6 Questions to Ask Before Considering TMJ Surgery

TMJ (temporo mandibular joint) surgery is a serious sign that your body and health are in distress. Before you jump to the conclusion that surgery is the only option, think about these six questions to consider what options are available:

1. Where do I feel pain?

TMJ pain can be found anywhere in the upper shoulder, neck, head and jaw regions. Sometimes there is pain in one location, then pain in another. That pain you’re feeling is muscular and sometimes is transferred from a different area than your jaw. Keeping a journal that tracks location, frequency, and intensity of pain (say on a 1-5 scale) will be helpful once you get a second opinion from a doctor or muscular therapist.

2. How long have I been in pain?

Oftentimes, when patients come into our practice, they admit that they’ve been experiencing pain for a long time but never said anything before. They didn’t think it was a big deal. Does this sound like you? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans go undiagnosed with TMJ because they didn’t realize this pain was abnormal. When you are diagnosed it may take months to recover and become pain free. With the proper TMJ treatment, pain can be reduced or even disappear completely.

3. How badly does the pain affect my life?

Patients with severe TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) can have a difficult time eating, sleeping and concentrating. The pain remains in their life as a constant painful distraction that can affect relationships and work efficiency. If your TMJD pain is affecting your life everyday, seeing a TMJ massage therapist is a good first step on the road to recovery.

4. What alternative alternative methods have I tried?

There are many ways to lessen the pain from TMJ, and the different methods all depend on the specialist you seek: dentists usually recommend using splint therapy and appliances such as NTI and mouthguards; neurologists often prescribe pain alleviating drugs; and TMJ massage therapists seek to alleviate pain by applying strategic touch and pressure to alleviate the muscle tension.

5. What specialists have you seen in regards to your TMJD and how can they help?

If you suspect that you are suffering from TMJD you should book an appointment with your primary physician to rule out any other potential conditions which might be creating your pain. Dentists may not know if you are suffering from TMJD unless you are grinding your teeth or have limited range of jaw motion. A neurologist will help you rule out possible alternative conditions caused by the brain. Both specialists can lessen pain, but it’s actually the TMJ massage therapist who treats the root cause and source of the pain, relieving muscle tension across your neck, shoulders, jaw and head.

6. Can I avoid TMJ surgery?

YES – in fact, we recommend it! TMJ surgery should be avoided at all cost because it cannot be undone and it will most likely affect your range of motion in your jaw. In most cases, TMJ surgery is avoidable. Visiting your doctor, dentist, neurologist and TMJ massage therapist will give you insight into why your pain is affecting you in addition to offering various options for treatment. With the right guidance and care, you can make your TMJD a thing of the past.

Are you considering surgery for your TMJ disorder? Before booking your appointment, give us a call and see if surgery is the best option for you.