A variety of treatment options are available to manage TMJ disorders:
- Patient Education: Ensuring that patients understand their diagnosis is a key part of the treatment plan.
- Prevention and Self-Care Techniques: Helping patients learn to manage symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition.
- Home Exercise Program: Tailored exercises to help decrease muscle pain, improve jaw function and reduce discomfort.
- Referral to specific Physical Therapists who specialize in TMJ disorders
- Nighttime Splints: Custom splints worn at night to decrease jaw strain and protect teeth.
- Medication: Prescription (systemic and/or topical) medications may be recommended to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Muscle Trigger Point and TMJ Steroid Injections: Injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation in specific areas.
- Botox: In certain cases, Botox injections may be used to help alleviate muscle-related pain.