Most people’s first inclination when they’re in pain is to get away from that feeling as soon as possible. When you have a toothache or a headache for example, your first thought is likely to head to the medicine cabinet and take an over-the-counter pain reliever you have stashed away for moments like these. While that may help in the short-term, it doesn’t do anything to resolve the root source of the pain, especially when that source is related to TMD. Painkillers aren’t the solution to TMD.
Solving Problems at Their Root Source
Disorders like [link id=’114′ text=’TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder)‘ esc_html=’false’] are rooted in a dysfunction of the jaw joint. Some of the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder often include:
- Chronic headaches
- Generalized facial pain
- Ear, eye, and nasal pressure/pain
- Tinnitus and vertigo
- Neck and backaches
While this list is in no way comprehensive, it does show the kind of range TMD can have. Most people when they’re faced with a headache naturally gravitate toward the quickest, easiest source of pain relief. However, when the pain continuously comes back or regularly affects several areas it’s time to consider that there may be something else causing it.
Why Are Painkillers Not a Good Long-Term Treatment for TMD?
Painkillers can offer temporary relief from symptoms and can be quite effective for several ailments. When it comes to chronic pain however, they only dampen the signal your body is sending you that something is wrong.
In the case of TMD, if you have malocclusion and there is a significant amount of tension on your jaw, getting rid of the feeling that causes doesn’t make your teeth any less crowded. Even worse, it doesn’t keep the pain from coming back.
Long-Term Side Effects of Pain Relievers
Both over-the-counter and prescription-grade medications can relieve TMJ pain, but they don’t actively cure anything or provide any proactive course of treatment. While these medications fight off discomfort, they also come with their own set of side effects after long-term use. Some of the most common side effects associated with the long-term use of painkillers include:
- Stomach aches, indigestion, gastritis, and ulcers
- Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when a person takes a pain killer for an extended period of time and then stops. This is especially dangerous in the case of prescription painkillers. Long-term use of doctor-prescribed opioids can be extremely addictive and cause people to develop a tolerance quickly.
A Better Treatment Plan
For more information about healthier, more effective treatment options for TMJ disorder contact Dr. Pamela Marzban’s office at 703-349-4277 or fill out our [link id=’50003′ text=’form‘ esc_html=’false’] on our website to schedule an appointment.
