TMJ Disorder

TMJ or temporomandibular joint is similar to a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. Disorders of this joint affect many individuals, causing pain, restricted jaw movement and reduced quality of life. TMJ disorder can have a multitude of causes ranging from teeth clenching, arthritis or injury. Luckily, for most patients the discomfort associated with TMJ lasts only a short amount of time. In cases where the symptoms persist, Elite Sport Performance offers a whole host of different treatment options.

Medications

The doctors at Elite Sport Performance can prescribe:

Pain Relievers, such as NSAIDS, to help manage pain and inflammation.

Muscle Relaxants, to help relax tense jaw muscles.

Anxiolytics, in some cases anxiety and stress can exacerbate TMJ pain.

Physical Therapy

Strengthening and stretching exercise may improve function and mobility.

Chiropractic Treatment

Myofascial release and adjustments to correct incorrect movement patterns may help to relieve symptoms.

Massage Therapy may address muscle tension.

If conservative options fail, intra-articular injections offer an increasingly studied treatment option.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are among the most commonly used intra-articular therapies for TMJ disorders. These anti-inflammatory agents provide rapid pain relief by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing synovial membrane inflammation. A randomized controlled trial by Al-Moraissi et al. (2020) compared corticosteroid injections to placebo and hyaluronic acid. The study demonstrated that corticosteroids significantly reduced pain and improved mandibular function in the short term (up to 3 months) (Al-Moraissi et al., 2020). However, long-term benefits were limited, and concerns persist regarding cartilage degradation with repeated injections.

Prolotherapy Injections

Prolotherapy involves injecting irritant solutions, typically hypertonic dextrose, to stimulate tissue healing through localized inflammation and fibroblast activation. Research on prolotherapy for TMJ is more limited than for corticosteroids, but emerging evidence is promising. A systematic review by Choi et al. (2019) found that prolotherapy injections improved pain, jaw function, and mouth opening in TMD patients, with effects lasting up to one year (Choi et al., 2019). The mechanism of action is believed to involve enhanced collagen synthesis and ligament strengthening. Although prolotherapy does not offer immediate relief like corticosteroids, its regenerative potential makes it appealing for chronic TMJ instability or hypermobility

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of synovial fluid, providing lubrication and shock absorption within the joint. HA injections aim to restore synovial fluid viscosity while exerting anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects. In a randomized clinical trial by Manfredini et al. (2018), HA injections significantly improved pain and jaw function in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis compared to placebo and corticosteroids (Manfredini et al., 2018). HA demonstrated a more gradual onset of action compared to corticosteroids but provided sustained benefits up to 6 months. Importantly, HA does not carry the cartilage-depleting risks associated with corticosteroids, making it preferable for patients with degenerative joint disease.