Many individuals experiencing pain near their temples or jaw may wonder if temporal tendonitis will resolve without specific treatment. This article explores temporal tendonitis, its characteristics, and whether it can naturally subside, also detailing available interventions and strategies for promoting recovery.
What is Temporal Tendonitis?
Temporal tendonitis involves inflammation of the temporal tendon, where it connects the temporalis muscle to the coronoid process of the mandible, or lower jaw. The temporalis muscle, a fan-shaped muscle located on the side of the head, originates from the temporal fossa and extends down to the jawbone. Its primary function is to elevate the mandible, enabling actions such as chewing, biting, and closing the mouth.
Symptoms commonly associated with temporal tendonitis include pain in the temple area, often described as a constant ache behind the eye, and headaches that can mimic migraines. Individuals may also experience jaw pain, ear pain and pressure, tooth sensitivity in the upper and lower molars, and restricted jaw movement. Contributing factors often involve overuse, such as prolonged mouth opening during dental procedures, chronic jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), excessive gum chewing, or direct trauma to the temporalis muscle.
Can it Resolve on its Own?
In some instances, particularly mild cases or those identified early, temporal tendonitis may show improvement with conservative measures like rest and reduced strain on the jaw. Rest allows affected tissues time to repair, and inflammation can gradually decrease over time.
However, natural resolution is not always the outcome, especially in more chronic or severe presentations. Tendon healing can be a slow process due to their limited blood supply, which can impede the delivery of nutrients and oxygen necessary for repair. Without addressing underlying causes or providing support, the condition might resolve slowly, incompletely, or recur. If the activity that caused the tendonitis continues, the tendon could experience further damage, potentially leading to prolonged healing.
Medical Interventions for Relief
When temporal tendonitis does not resolve spontaneously or presents with increased severity, various medical interventions can provide relief. Conservative treatments often begin with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to manage inflammation. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed to reduce muscle tension, especially for individuals who clench or grind their teeth. Physical therapy, including massage therapy and targeted exercises, can help improve jaw mobility and alleviate muscle tightness. Chiropractic care may also be considered, as it can address misalignments in the temporomandibular joint and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles.
Dental interventions play a role, particularly when bruxism contributes to the condition. Dentists might recommend custom night guards or oral appliances to protect teeth from grinding and reduce strain on the jaw joint.
Advanced treatments are sometimes considered for persistent inflammation. Corticosteroid injections directly into the temporal tendon can reduce localized inflammation. In rare and persistent cases, surgical options might be explored, though this is generally considered a last resort. A proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional, such as a dentist, doctor, or TMJ specialist, is important before initiating any treatment plan.
Promoting Recovery and Preventing Worsening
Beyond formal medical treatments, individuals can adopt several self-care strategies to support recovery and reduce the likelihood of the condition worsening or recurring. Adjusting dietary habits to include softer foods can minimize jaw strain during chewing.
Stress management techniques are valuable, given the link between stress and jaw clenching or grinding. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help reduce overall stress levels and promote relaxation in the jaw muscles.
Applying warm compresses to the affected area can relax tense muscles, while cold packs can help reduce inflammation and pain. Gentle jaw relaxation exercises, such as placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth and slowly opening the mouth while keeping the tongue in place, can help improve flexibility and reduce tension. Avoiding habits that strain the jaw, like excessive gum chewing, nail-biting, or resting the chin on the hand, can also prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Additionally, maintaining good posture, particularly preventing a forward head posture, can indirectly alleviate strain on the jaw and neck muscles, contributing to overall jaw health.