TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint & Muscle Disorders)

The temporomandibular joint attaches the jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is defined as pain and/or dysfunction through the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. 

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 TMJ Causes

It is often difficult to determine the direct cause of a person’s pain.  It can be linked to various causes including:

  •  Injury

  • Arthritis

  • Genetics

  • Bruxism – teeth grinding

 TMJ dysfunction is often more common in women, this has led to scientists starting to research the involvement of female hormones.

 

TMJ Symptoms

The most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:

  • Jaw muscle pain, fatigue and tenderness

  • Aching around one or both ears

  • Difficulty chewing and/or pain when chewing

  • Limited jaw movement and/or locking of the jaw

  • Clicking or grinding sound in the jaw upon opening mouth

  • Tension around the neck and upper shoulder muscles

  • Headache

 As facial pain can also be a symptom of other conditions including headaches and sinus infections it’s recommended you seek a diagnosis from your doctor or trained therapist.

 

TMJ Treatment

Initial treatment should always be conservative and may include:

  • NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

  • A bite guard from your dentist may provide relief

  • Dry needling of the TMJ muscles – masseter, temporalis and pterygoid

  • Trigger point massage for the TMJ and neck muscles

  • Specific TMJ exercises that your therapist can provide

 Surgery should be considered a last resort for TMJ disorders, there are currently no long-term clinical trials to study the safety or success of surgery for this disorder.  

 

Self-Management

There are sone things you can do at home to reduce your discomfort.

  • Watch what you eat – avoid foods including gum and hard to chew foods

  • Eat soft foods where possible

  • Monitor stress levels and practice stress management techniques

  • Try to avoid opening the mouth too wide, such as when yawning

  • Try some gentle jaw exercises

  • Self-massage – visit your therapist who can teach you some self-massage techniques

 TMJ issues are normally short-term and can be treated effectively with non-invasive techniques.