Do you have pain or tenderness with chewing? Does your jaw pop or click when you open your mouth? Does your jaw lock in different positions when opening or closing your mouth? You may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the space between your mandible (that is, your jaw bone) and the rest of your skull. Your TMJ is what allows you to open and close your mouth. Every time you talk, eat, or smile, you are using your TMJ, which makes it one of the most used joints in your body. But your TMJ is subject to issues just like your knee and elbow; it has been reported that ⅓ of the population has signs of TMD and you might be one.
What does TMJ Dysfunction feel like?
If you are concerned you might be suffering from TMJ, there are some common symptoms you should report. These include:
- Uneven opening and closing of your jaw
- Clicking or popping of your jaw
- Pain or tenderness of you jaw with chewing
- Locking of your jaw in different positions when opening or closing your mouth
- Headaches, and/or muscle soreness of your face, neck, and shoulders.
The TMJ is a commonly dysfunctional joint that is often ignored until its dysfunction is accompanied by pain. By the time your TMJ dysfunction becomes painful, it is likely that you are going to have to seek some sort of medical attention.
What causes TMJ Dysfunction?
TMD can be caused by an array of issues from acute physical injury (getting punched in the jaw), to poor sleep habits (grinding or clenching teeth), to long-term poor postural relationships, or abnormal opening and closing mechanics causing arthritic changes to the joint structure. Whatever your mechanism of injury is, if symptoms are not treated, it can ultimately decreased quality of life by causing pain and difficulty with daily activities such as talking, eating, and sleeping.
Who Treats TMJ Dysfunction?
Physical Therapy has been shown to be a very effective and non-invasive treatment for patients suffering from TMJ Dysfunction (report from research in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy). Because surgical procedures are shown to have little benefits, dentists and other physicians are encouraged to refer to physical therapist in treating TMD. Our therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of OKC are skilled in identifying contributing factors using a multidisciplinary approach with focus of treatments on pain and dysfunction. When treating TMD, we understand your needs and address impairments in neighboring joints such as the upper cervical spine and surrounding musculature. Studies have shown an increase in active jaw opening with upper cervical spine mobilizations or soft tissue treatments of the suboccipital muscles.
Stop massaging the side of your jaw after a morning yawn and stop thinking the clicking and occasional jaw pain experienced when biting into your apple is normal. We know from experience that it is not, and if not addressed, will become painful and crippling to your daily life habits. Call us and schedule an appointment today!
-FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Oklahoma City
Resources:
Wright, E.F., & North, S.L., (2009). Management and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Clinical Perspective. The Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. 17(4): 247–254.
Healthwise Staff. (March 27,2018) Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw209469