TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Pain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jawbone (mandible) to the skull. It’s located in front of each ear and allows for movement of the jaw, which is necessary for talking, chewing, and other oral functions.
The TMJ is a complex joint that includes bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and its proper function is important for overall oral health and comfort.
Dysfunction or problems with the TMJ can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty with eating and speaking.
TMJ pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes include:
- Injury or trauma to the jaw, neck, or head
- Grinding or clenching the teeth (bruxism)
- Arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases
- Malocclusion (misaligned teeth)
- Stress or tension in the jaw muscles
- Excessive gum chewing or nail biting
- Dislocated or improperly aligned joint disk
- Structural issues in the jaw or surrounding tissues
Symptoms of TMJ pain may include pain or tenderness in the jaw joint or muscles, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth wide, and headaches or earaches. If you are experiencing persistent or severe TMJ pain, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
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How can regenerative medicine treatments help with TMJ pain?
Regenerative medicine treatments for TMJ pain can help to repair or regenerate damaged or degenerated tissues in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
One commonly used regenerative medicine treatment for TMJ pain is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and injecting the resulting solution directly into the affected joint or muscles. The platelets and growth factors can help to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and promote tissue regeneration, reducing pain and inflammation.
Another regenerative medicine treatment that can be used for TMJ pain is stem cell therapy. Stem cells can be isolated from the patient’s own bone marrow or fat tissue, processed, and injected into the affected joint or muscles. The stem cells can differentiate into various cell types, such as chondrocytes or muscle cells, and help to repair or regenerate damaged tissues.
Both PRP therapy and stem cell therapy have shown promising results in treating TMJ pain, and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the pain. It’s important to consult with us to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
How does stem cell treatment help
- Promoting tissue regeneration: Stem cells have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body, including spine discs, muscle, bone, and cartilage cells. By injecting stem cells into the damaged area, they can help promote tissue regeneration and repair damaged tissues.
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the area contributes to pain and may require surgical intervention. Stem cells have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Stimulating natural healing: Stem cells can stimulate the body’s natural healing process by releasing growth factors and other proteins that help repair damaged tissues.
- Minimally invasive procedure: Stem cell treatments are typically performed on an outpatient basis and involve a minimally invasive injection procedure. This means less downtime and a quicker recovery period compared to traditional back surgery.
- Customizable treatment: Stem cell treatments can be customized to each patient’s individual needs and can target specific areas, making them a more precise and targeted treatment option.
It is important to note that not all cases of tendon, ligament, cartilage pain and lesions can be treated with stem cell treatments and that each case is unique. It is important to consult with us to determine if stem cell treatment is a viable option for your specific case.
How does it work?
Stem cells are special cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body, such as muscle, bone, and cartilage cells. By harvesting these cells from the patient’s own bone marrow, they can be injected into the damaged area to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
During the painless procedure, a small amount of bone marrow is typically taken from the patient’s hip bone using a needle. The bone marrow is then processed to isolate the stem cells, which are then injected into the affected area using imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement.
While it may not provide immediate pain relief, it provides long-term benefits and improves overall function and quality of life. If you are considering this treatment option, it is important to book your FREE consultation with us to determine if it is right for you.
What to expect?
Stem cell treatment using bone marrow is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself can take up to an hour and the patients can go home after the procedure.
After the procedure, patients may experience some soreness or discomfort at the site of the bone marrow extraction, but this typically subsides within a few days. Pain relief may not be immediate, as it can take several weeks for the stem cells to start promoting healing and tissue regeneration.
It is important to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including any physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises, to help optimize the healing process.
What do I need to have prior to receiving stem cells treatment?
- Book Free consultation with us.
- Bring your MRI results. If you don’t have an MRI test done recently, don’t worry. Miami Stem Cell has partnered with imaging clinics to provide MRIs to our patients for as little as $200 per test. Ask us about our partnerships.
- Do a tumor marker test. This is a simple blood test that you will need to do prior to the procedure.
- Bring someone to drive you back home.