It's generally not likely that TMJ will go away on its own and return completely to normal without intervention.
According to information from November 2022, "It's not likely that TMJ will go away on its own." While many approaches offer relief, they are often "temporary fixes or ways to relieve pain for a short amount of time." This means that the underlying issues causing TMJ symptoms typically require management or treatment rather than resolving naturally.
Understanding TMJ
TMJ refers to disorders of the temporomandibular joints — the two joints connecting your jawbone to your skull — and the muscles and ligaments surrounding them. These disorders can cause pain, clicking sounds, and limited jaw movement.
Why TMJ May Not Resolve On Its Own
The reasons TMJ doesn't often go back to normal naturally include:
- Underlying Causes: TMJ can be caused by a variety of factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw injury, arthritis, or structural problems within the joint. These underlying issues usually don't fix themselves.
- Nature of Symptoms: The pain and dysfunction associated with TMJ are often due to inflammation, muscle tension, or joint displacement. While some minor discomfort might fluctuate, chronic issues tend to persist or worsen without targeted management.
- Temporary Solutions: Many initial strategies like over-the-counter pain relievers or applying heat/cold are effective for temporary pain relief but don't address the root cause of the disorder.
Managing TMJ Symptoms
Even though TMJ might not go away on its own, its symptoms can often be effectively managed. The need for professional treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. The reference notes that "if your pain isn't constant or extreme, then you may not need professional treatment."
However, for persistent or severe issues, various approaches can help improve function and reduce pain:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods.
- Practicing stress reduction techniques.
- Avoiding clenching or grinding teeth.
- At-Home Remedies:
- Gentle jaw exercises.
- Applying moist heat or ice packs.
- Over-the-counter pain medication.
- Professional Treatments (when needed):
- Custom oral splints or mouthguards.
- Physical therapy for jaw muscles.
- Prescription medications for pain or inflammation.
- Dental work to correct bite issues.
- Injections into the jaw muscles.
- Surgery (rarely needed for severe cases).
Working with a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or oral surgeon, can help identify the specific cause of your TMJ issues and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at managing symptoms and improving jaw function.
