Joint problems: Caution in treating temporomandibular disorders
Joint problems
Caution in treating temporomandibular disorders
You may be ready to try anything for relief. But unproven fixes can cause greater injury and disability.
For most of us, jaw pain is a fleeting experience — caused, perhaps, by a too-wide yawn, a big bite on a bagel, or an afternoon of dental work. But for women with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), jaw pain — sometimes radiating to the ear, eyes, face, neck, and shoulders — can be a source of unrelenting misery. In desperation, some women have undergone extensive orthodontia, used a variety of oral appliances, or had teeth ground down or selectively removed. None of these approaches has any proven benefit in treating TMD. Other women have received artificial implants that were never tested for safety or effectiveness, sometimes with disastrous results.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.