{"id":480,"date":"2024-06-20T16:53:22","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T16:53:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.isleepsolutions.com\/blog\/?p=480"},"modified":"2024-07-02T16:53:47","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T16:53:47","slug":"7-myths-about-tmds-busted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.isleepsolutions.com\/blog\/7-myths-about-tmds-busted\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Myths About Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Busted"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When it comes to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs)<\/a>, there\u2019s a lot of misinformation out there, and it\u2019s easy to see why. With so many different causes, signs, and symptoms, a little confusion is inevitable. If you suffer from TMD, here are a few common myths and misconceptions and the truth behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Myth #1: TMJ is a Condition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may have heard someone say \u201cI have TMJ\u201d when discussing their temporomandibular joint disorder. Technically, that\u2019s true. Yes, most people have a temporomandibular joint, however the reason they are in pain is because they have a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #2: TMD is Caused by Chewing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you have TMD, it is common to experience pain or stiffness when chewing, however chewing does not cause TMD. In fact, chewing can even help TMD because it lubricates the temporomandibular joints. Most frequently, it is clenching of the jaw that causes TMD. It can also be caused by accidental injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #3: TMD Can Be Cured<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no cure for TMD. It is a degenerative condition that can only be treated to lessen the severity of symptoms and help prevent further damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #4: TMD Is Only a Jaw Problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the temporomandibular joint is in your jaw and TMD symptoms originate in this area, this does not mean that they are all localized there. Unfortunately, TMD can cause pain in many different areas of the body, including in the ears (tinnitus), the neck, and the back. It can even cause a variety of headaches, including migraines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #5: Treating TMD Requires Surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While there are certainly some TMD cases that could benefit from surgery, not all cases will. Sometimes the best treatment is with orthodontics or physical therapy or a combination of several interventions. It all depends on your individual anatomy and the underlying cause behind your TMD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #6: TMD is No Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While TMD may not seem that serious, the truth is that it can be very dangerous if not treated. TMD can cause a long list of problems that go far beyond jaw pain, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n