Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are common conditions that affect many people. It can cause stiffness, clicking sounds, and pain, making it difficult to talk or eat. One treatment option is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy. TENS therapy for TMJ disorders works by using electric stimulation to trigger the pain gate mechanism and endorphin production to alleviate the aches. It is also easy to self-administer by placing the electrodes near the jaw joint and adjusting the settings accordingly.
Many people opt for traditional treatment modalities for TMJ management, such as physical therapy, surgery, and taking Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the latter two can cause unwanted side effects. Meanwhile, TENS therapy provides non-invasive and drug-free relief for a wide range of conditions. It also works to supplement other methods to address the painful symptoms. This article will provide information on using TENS for TMJ disorders, how it works, and how to operate it.
The Role of TENS Therapy for TMJ Management
TENS therapy for TMJ management is an effective method that helps many people. Although many people see TENS machines in medical settings, people can also buy personal TENS units to facilitate the treatment of the symptoms of TMJ disorders. This is ideal for convenient use and subsequent relief of jaw pain.
TENS therapy is an effective alternative pain management method for several pain disorders. There are many benefits to using them since they provide non-invasive and drug-free relief. Furthermore, they are ideal supplements for other treatment options since they pose little to no interference with traditional treatment modalities.
TMJ disorders can have various symptoms that can affect the quality of life. Besides aches in the jaw, it can also cause ear pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. Many also experience headaches, migraines, and toothaches because of TMJ issues. Typically, people will also feel the popping or clicking of their jaw and abnormal range of motion. Lastly, stiffness in the jaw area can also decrease function and impede the opening and closing of the mouth.
Causes and Risk Factors for TMJ Disorders
- Jaw injuries: People who have experienced jaw injuries, like broken or dislocated jaw, may experience this joint disorder.
- Bruxism: Individuals with long-term issues with teeth grinding or clenching are likely to develop TMJ problems.
- Arthritis: This musculoskeletal disorder can also affect the TMJ by damaging the cartilage, causing stiffness and aches. Common types that affect the jaw are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Dental Issues: Malocclusion or other dental problems that can cause an uneven bite can cause TMJ dysfunction.
- Stress: Individuals who are often stressed may tighten their facial muscles more than others. This tension can contribute to TMJ dysfunction.
How TENS Therapy for TMJ Works to Alleviate Pain
TENS therapy for TMJ works by using electrical stimulation to trigger various mechanisms that can help alleviate pain. Different settings can produce various effects on the body. This is why TENS machines have adjustable settings so people can modify them according to their health condition and tolerance. They may alter the intensity, frequency, and pulse width settings in most devices.
TENS therapy can trigger the pain gate mechanism, which is a mechanism suggested in the Gate Control Theory of Pain. It proposes that electrical pulses can induce the spinal nerve cells to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This is ideal for sudden and severe pain from temporomandibular disorders. Furthermore, TENS can improve blood circulation, which aids in healing. It can also relax sore jaw muscles and reduce facial pain.
Furthermore, TENS therapy can trigger the release of endogenous opioids. These hormones are natural painkillers that bind to opioid receptors, which reduces the intensity of pain. Moreover, endorphins have other beneficial effects, such as reducing inflammation and stress and improving moods.
Low and High Frequencies
Frequency refers to the number of electrical pulses per second that a TENS unit delivers. Many TENS machines offer a range of 1-150 Hz, which enables users to achieve optimal pain relief. People use low and high frequencies for different types of pain.
Low frequencies are below 10 Hz. These are ideal for chronic pain conditions since they trigger endorphin release. On the other hand, high frequencies range from 50-120 Hz. It is an ideal setting for acute pain conditions since it takes effect quickly. Users may also opt for modulating frequencies using a preset mode to avoid building tolerance of electrical stimulation.
How to Apply TENS Therapy for TMJ
Applying TENS therapy for TMJ is a straightforward process. Nevertheless, following proper instructions from the manual or a healthcare professional can help users maximise the benefits of the therapy for temporomandibular disorders. Before starting, the individual should wash the treatment area with soap and water to remove body oils, dirt, and lotion, which can interfere with the adhesion of the TENS pads.
After preparing the area, they may apply the TENS pads and connect them to the control unit. Once everything is ready, they may turn the machine on and adjust the settings accordingly. However, it is recommended to start with low intensities to avoid sudden shocks or discomfort. Moreover, users can set a timer to remind them once the treatment duration finishes.
TENS therapy treatment sessions usually last between 15 to 30 minutes. However, individuals may also consult a healthcare professional for advice to help for optimal results and speed up their return to normal function. After the session, the user must turn off the unit and then remove the electrodes.
Where to Place the Electrodes?
Proper electrode placement is crucial to effectively decrease the perception of pain when using TENS. In general, people attach the pads to muscles near or on the pain source. To address the pain from the common symptoms of TMJ disorders, users can apply adhesive electrodes on muscles near the jaw joint.
However, users should also be careful about placing the pads too close to the throat as this is a sensitive area. Furthermore, they should avoid skin patches that are infected, irritated, or broken. This is because the electrical pulses can worsen the skin condition.
Conclusion
TENS therapy is an effective method of alleviating aches from pain disorders. It uses electrical stimulation to provide temporary relief for patients with pain using the pain gate mechanism and the production of endorphins. TENS can have several beneficial effects, depending on the settings the individual uses. It can even reduce muscle pain. Overall, undergoing TENS therapy for TMJ disorders is an alternative treatment approach that can reduce dependency on medicines.
There are many causes and risk factors for TMJ issues, such as arthritis, bruxism, previous jaw injuries, and stress. This is why it is a condition that many experience. Fortunately, TENS units are easy to operate. The temporomandibular disorder patients must simply apply the TENS pads on muscles near the jaw joint and adjust the settings accordingly. Those interested in buying a wireless TENS unit may consider the iTENS from iTENS Australia.
