TMJ relief can be temporary or permanent. Our practice philosophy is to avoid using narcotic pain relieves because they do not correct the causes of the problem. If you correctly treat the real cause, the problem goes away and that's what we wish to accomplish.

          Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders usually has a bad bite. When their teeth close together, the bad bite forces one or both of the jaw joints into the ears. It's painful and the body tries to prevent ear damage by pulling the poorly aligned jaw joint away from the ears. This requires the jaw muscles to work harder then they can and almost always result in muscle pain. Muscle pain, or myalgia, is usually the chief complaint that patients have, so any treatment that reduces jaw muscle pain also provides TMJ relief.

          Moist wet heat applied using hot towels often helps. Run some hot water into your bathroom sink and place two hand towels into the warm water. Make sure that the water is not scolding and then wring out the towels and place them on both sides of the face. You can also increase the blood supply to the jaw muscles and obtains some TMJ relief by slowly stretching the jaw muscles by opening and closing your mouth. This can be done with or without warm towels.

          Although we do not like using any medications, Motrin, Nuprin, and Advil work well in decreasing muscle pain. These over the counter medications should be used sparingly since extensive use over many years can have many serious side effects such as liver damage. Daily light exercise also increase the blood supply to the face and whole body. It also releases natural pain killing substance called endorphins which provide TMJ relief. Dr. Padolsky is dedicated to his patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join his family of patient by scheduling your first appointment, call 404-874-7428.