Consult Dr. Shree Rao - TMJ Pain specialist
Relief for TMJ Pain: Restoring Comfort, Easing Lives
Welcome to the TMJ pain page at EarSurgeon, where relief is within reach. Dr. Shree C Rao, an experienced ENT specialist, addresses Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain with expert care and comprehensive treatment options. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and effective management of TMJ pain from a trusted professional. Book your consultation today for personalized relief.
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WHAT IS TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ)?
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the mandible or lower jaw to the skull. The joint is found on both sides of the head in front of the ears. It is a very important joint as it allows movement of the jaw and lets one speak and eat by opening and closing when needed.
Sometimes problems in the joint can cause disorders that can result in difficulty and pain. As a specialised ENT surgeon, Dr. Shree Rao has treated several TMJ disorders at her ENT hospital in Hyderabad.
Here she provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding TMJ. Her answers are sure to be beneficial to those suffering from the condition.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?
Dr. Shree Rao shares that the symptoms of TMJ disorders are related to the severity and cause of the condition. However, the symptoms typically associated with TMJ disorder includes:
- Pain in the face or neck
- Headaches (including migraines)
- Ear problems - ringing in the ears, clogged or “muffled” ears, earache, and dizziness
- Stiffness in the jaw joint and limited ability to open it
- Clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site
- Vertigo
Dr. Shree informs that symptoms may show up on just one side of the face or both. In her capacity as a top surgeon for TMJ disorders, she has successfully treated patients with symptoms.
- Malocclusion – the abnormal positioning of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed
- Clenching and/ or grinding the teeth (usually occurring during sleep) due to stress
- Trauma to the jaw area or to the Temporomandibular Joint
- Arthritis within the jaw joint
Though there are no standard tests to diagnose TMJ disorders, a specialised ENT Physician like Dr. Shree Rao is well placed to diagnose the condition. Dr. Shree examines the patient to check for any swelling or tenderness. She will then prescribe imaging tests such as an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI. On analysing the tests results, Dr. Shree will make an informed diagnosis.
Dr. Shree Rao, Ear Surgeon, points out that TMJ disorders can be treated in different ways, depending on the cause. Usually, home treatment with self-care practices to ease the symptom is advised as the first step. Dr. Shree advises that patients can:
- Eat soft foods
- Use ice or cold compress to reduce swelling
- Apply moist heat to the site few times a day
- Reduce jaw movements
- Avoid chewing gum and tough foods
- Make lifestyle changes to reduce stress
- Practice jaw movement exercises
- Avoid opening the mouth wide
- Chew with both sides of the mouth
- Self-care: Massage the sore jaw joint gently, using a rotating motion, for about 10 seconds, then open the mouth and hold for another
10 seconds to stretch the chewing muscles that surround the joint
As an ENT Specialist with proven skills in treating TMJ disorders, Dr. Shree talks from experience that when TMJ symptoms are not eased by using home treatments, medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroids, and muscle relaxers, are prescribed to provide relief.
Dr. Shree, ENT doctor, decides which medication is best for the patient, based on his or her personal condition and health history.
In some instances, Dr. Shree Rao may recommend physical therapy. Depending on the area that needs attention, she might suggest:
- Heat therapy
- Cooling therapy
- Acupuncture
- Tissue mobilization
- Resistance exercises
- Stretches
If Dr. Shree feels that the TMJ disorder may be caused by stress, she may suggest Talk therapy or Stress management exercises.
Dr. Shree Rao explains that if the symptoms don’t improve with home remedies and medicines, an assessment will be needed to decide if the further course of treatment.
In very rare cases, Dr. Shree Rao may recommend surgery to treat the painful TMJ condition. She will conduct the procedure using specialized TMJ diagnostic and treatment technology at the best ENT hospital in Hyderabad, Dr. Rao’s ENT. The procedures include:
- Corrective dental treatment to improve bite and align teeth
- Removal of fluid and debris from the joint
- Surgery to replace the joint
Dr. Shree says that patients may not be able to prevent TMJ disorder from developing, but might be able to reduce the severity of the symptoms by lowering stress levels, practicing physical therapy and exercises, and consulting a dentist if they observe involuntary grinding of teeth at night. Wearing a mouth guard at night and occasionally taking muscle relaxants helps reduce grinding of teeth.
Dr. Shree assures that TMJ disorders can be successfully treated with at-home remedies. However, if the condition is caused by a chronic disease such as arthritis, lifestyle changes may not be enough, and surgery may be required. A detailed discussion with ENT specialist and
Ear Surgeon Dr. Shree Rao will help to understand the treatment options and determine the right way forward.
About Dr. Shree Cuddapah Rao
Consult Dr. Shree Rao - Best TMJ Disorder Specialist in India
Dr. Shree Cuddapah Rao is acclaimed as one of the best ENT specialists in Hyderabad. With 10+ years of deep domain experience in the field of ENT, she is the director at Dr. Rao’s ENT Super Specialty International Hospital.
Dr.Shree Rao underwent specialized training in Rhinoplasty / Facial Plastic surgery at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. She also underwent advanced training in cochlear implant surgery under Padmashri Dr. Milind V Kirtane and has a Fellowship in cochlear implant. Having performed over 200 successful cochlear implants for patients from all over the world, Dr. Shree Cuddapah Rao is also the recipient of several prestigious accolades in the domain of ENT and considered as the best Cochlear Implant Surgeon in India.
