Arthritis
Arthritis
is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune
system to attack the joints. Arthritis can lead to substantial loss of
mobility due to pain and joint destruction. Arthritis symptoms include
joint pain, tenderness, swelling and inflammation, joint deformity,
morning stiffness, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, eye burning,
numbness or tingling, and fever. There are a number of different types
of arthritis, however most often refers to Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Arthritis in the jaw joint can cause trismus, i.e. stiffness, limiting
of movement or lockjaw. Treatments - Anti-rheumatic drugs
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Pain relievers
- Regular exercise (OraStretch press for jaw hypomobility)
- Heat and cold therapy
Resources Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia
(FM or FMS) is a chronic syndrome (constellation of signs and symptoms)
characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain,
fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms. Fibromyalgia symptoms
generally include chronic widespread pain, tenderness to touch, and
fatigue. Skin sensitivity, tingling, muscle achiness, muscle spasms,
weakness, nerve pain, brain fog, and sleep disturbances are other
symptoms. Myofacial pain is another common symptom. There are also
specific "tender points" on the body that usually refer to fibromyalgia,
and if a patient show tenderness at 11 or more tender points they are
often diagnosed with the condition. Fibromyalgia in the jaw joint can
cause trismus, i.e. stiffness, limiting of movement or lockjaw. Treatment - Anti-depressants
- Gentle Exercise and physical therapy (OraStretch press for jaw hypomobility)
- Heat therapy
- Massage
Resources Scleroderma
Scleroderma
is a rare, chronic disease caused by excessive collagen in the skin and
other organs. Localized scleroderma affect a specific area of the body.
Systemic or diffused scleroderma can affect the whole body, including
internal organs and blood vessels. Scleroderma symptoms include
hardening of the skin, scarring, increased visibility of blood vessels,
and an increased discoloration of the hands/fee in response to cold.
Scleroderma around the jaw joint can cause trismus, i.e. stiffness,
limiting of movement or lockjaw. Treatment - Anti-inflammatories
- Immunosuppressants
- Heat therapy
- Physical therapy (OraStretch press for jaw hypomobility)
Resources |
