Do you ever feel like your jaw is experiencing discomfort for seemingly no reason? Are you currently pregnant and finding it difficult to move your jaw due to chronic pain? According to a 7-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health, researchers have reason to believe that women, particularly those between 18 and 44, may be at higher risk of developing problems related to their temporomandibular joint (or TMJ disorder.) Learn how and the ways that it can negatively affect your health.
The Study’s Main Findings
The study, known as the Orofacial Pain Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA), was funded by the NIH in order to better understand temporomandibular joint disorder as well as the factors that can contribute to its susceptibility. Starting in 2005, researchers recruited 3,200 18-to-44-year-old volunteers who began the study without any TMD symptoms at all. Over time, some members developed the condition. The researchers collected extensive genetic, sensory, demographic, and psychological data and produced the following findings:
- The risk for chronic TMD in women was higher for those between the ages of 18 and 44, while men in the same age bracket did not see any increased risk.
- Symptoms were not correlated with low-socio economic status, making it stand out from other chronic pain conditions.
- Patients also experienced other chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia.
- Chronic TMD was also associated with alterations in areas of the central nervous system related to pain reception control.
How Can TMD Impact Women’s Health?
Thanks to the OPPERA study as well as outside data from independent studies, researchers can say with greater certainty that these disorders rarely exist alone. In reality, they are part of a collection of disorders that are often prevalent in women. This means those with TMJ pain could also have:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Headache
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Vulvodynia
Keep in mind that these are complex conditions that are affected by a variety of factors, including genetics, sex, behavior, and the environment around you. However, untreated TMJ discomfort can lead to accelerated joint deterioration, pain, and diminished function, even if none of the other previously mentioned conditions are present. This makes seeking treatment for chronic jaw discomfort all the more important.
What to Do If You Think You May Have TMD
If you’ve been noticing an uptick in facial pain, TMJ discomfort, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, or chronic headaches (especially upon waking up), it’s best that you see a dentist who’s trained in managing and alleviating symptoms related to the TMJ.
For example, they may recommend an occlusal splint, which is an oral appliance designed to shift the position of the teeth and prevent pressure to the joints. On top of that, dentists can recommend at-home therapies that work to relieve joint pain, such as facial massages and temperature-controlled compresses.
The best way to ensure you’re getting the dedicated treatment you need is to schedule an appointment with a dentist trained to provide TMJ therapy in Covington!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean has not only been a practicing dentist for many years, but he also holds specialty education in treatment for TMJ discomfort and TMD. Whether you’ve been dealing with chronic jaw pain for years or recently noticed your symptoms, he can create a dedicated treatment plan that addresses the cause of your pain at the source. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.