Numerous people endure trying symptoms associated with TMJ disorder; however, for some unknown reason, the vast majority of patients tend to be female. Experts aren’t sure why temporomandibular joint disorder seems to afflict more women than men. While health professionals offer numerous theories; none of these have been conclusively proven. With that being said, researchers recently presented some fascinating data centered on the differences between female and male TMD patients.
Women Suffer More
An Austrian study has uncovered some interesting facts about the different ways women and men experience TMJ disorder. In conducting their study, the researchers evaluated more than 500 outpatients of the Medical University of Vienna. After looking at each subject, they reported the following revelations:
- Women reported much greater pain intensity than men on visual analog scales (VAS).
- Clinicians noticed much more jaw restrictions in female patients.
- Physical exams revealed that female subjects experienced much greater facial and oral tenderness.
- Interestingly, although both sexes appeared to experience similar levels of jaw clicking; male patients demonstrated more bite anomalies.
A Gender-Neutral Treatment
While studies indicate that TMJ disorder may be especially painful for women; countless men also struggle to cope with debilitating symptoms on an everyday basis. Ultimately, it doesn’t make a difference if you’re a female or male TMD sufferer: you require an effective treatment that offers lasting relief.
Smile Columbia offers its patients permanent relief from TMJ disorder by providing a treatment plan which addresses the source cause of the problem: a misaligned bite. Regardless of whether you are male or female, you deserve to enjoy a higher quality of life without the trying symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder. To learn how Smile Columbia can help, contact us today or call (803) 781-9090.
