TMJ Pain & Discomfort
Similar to a sliding hinge, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. Every person has one joint on each side of the jaw. Some people develop TMJ disorders, which can cause pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. Causes include teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis in the TMJ, dislocation of the disc between the ball and socket joint, an improper bite, acute trauma, and stress.
Surgery is seen as a last resort after other treatments for TMJ pain have failed. Self-managed care and nonsurgical treatments, including LLLT can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders, especially those with less complex cases. Several studies that examined the effect of LLLT on TMJ patients showed that the treatment can be effective in reducing pain and is an excellent option for those who prefer a non-invasive, complementary therapy.
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