Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ disorders, involve a dysfunction of the chewing muscles and the joints that move the jaws and open and close the mouth. TMJ disorders are notorious for causing pain and clicking or popping noises in the jaws. They may also cause chronic facial pain or headache. While there is no definitive treatment for TMJ disorders, some medications may be prescribed to alleviate the condition, such as pain killers, muscle relaxants and injections of corticosteroids inside the joint to reduce inflammation. Supplements can also sometimes help.
Chondroitin Sulphate
Chondroitin sulphate has proven valuable for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders, according to an October 1998 study published in the "Journal of Craniomandibular Practice." Chondroitin is used in the treatment of joint inflammation, also known as arthritis, because it is involved in the production of the cartilage present inside all joints. Chondroitin sulphate use may be complicated by gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Glucosamine Sulphate
Glucosamine sulphate was found to be beneficial for temporomandibular joint disorders by a study published in the June 2001 edition of the "Journal of Rheumatology." Glucosamine sulphate reduces the pain due to the inflammation of the TMJ and it is much safer than over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, which can have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Glucosamine sulphate also increased the function of the TMJ, allowing patients to open and close the mouth with less difficulty and decreased incidence of popping and clicking.
Methyl Sulfonyl Methane
Another supplement commonly used in the treatment of joint inflammations is methyl sylfonyl methane, or MSM. MSM is added to most supplements used for treatment of TMJ disorders along with glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound. Its effects in treatment of TMJ disorders are not backed up by enough scientific research to verify its effectiveness.
References
- Medline Plus: Temporo Mandibular Joint Dysfunction
- "Journal of Craniomandibular practice" ; The effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on osteoarthritis of the TMJ; Shankland WE; October 1998
- "Journal of Rheumatology"; Evaluation of glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a randomized double blind controlled 3 month clinical trial; Thie et al.; June 2001
- Medline Plus: Glucosamine Sulphate
Member Comments