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What Causes Pain In The Jaw Joint?
Question: I have a pain sore jaw bone near my ear. I have had it for about two days. I am 65 with no health problems.
It hurts when I open my mouth to eat.
It hurts when I open my mouth to eat.
Brief Answer:
Most likely Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and inflammation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HealthcareMagic,
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
What you have is most likely a dysfunction and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.
Here is some recommendation I give my patients:
- self-care may aid in healing and prevention of further injury and includes limiting mandibular function (avoid hard food and opening wide your mouth), applying moist heat and/or ice to affected area, massaging affected muscles and performing a gentle range of motion exercises.
- Use a painkiller to decrease inflammation and pain. It is good that you are using Advil 400mg. But I would recommend to use it 3 times/day with food for 4-5 days.
- Physical therapy and specific exercises that the physical therapist can teach you, so you can strengthen the muscles that hold the joint and so the joint needs to do less work.
If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. There are much more strategies of treatment, but those are used after following the 3 advises above, and need a visit to the local ENT specialist.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Most likely Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and inflammation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HealthcareMagic,
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
What you have is most likely a dysfunction and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.
Here is some recommendation I give my patients:
- self-care may aid in healing and prevention of further injury and includes limiting mandibular function (avoid hard food and opening wide your mouth), applying moist heat and/or ice to affected area, massaging affected muscles and performing a gentle range of motion exercises.
- Use a painkiller to decrease inflammation and pain. It is good that you are using Advil 400mg. But I would recommend to use it 3 times/day with food for 4-5 days.
- Physical therapy and specific exercises that the physical therapist can teach you, so you can strengthen the muscles that hold the joint and so the joint needs to do less work.
If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. There are much more strategies of treatment, but those are used after following the 3 advises above, and need a visit to the local ENT specialist.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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