Jaw Pain (TMJD): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
This month’s therapy of the month is TMJ Physiotherapy
If you are dealing with facial pain or headache, experiencing jaw pain while talking or eating, or feeling like your teeth are misaligned without any clear reason, you might be suffering from TMJD. This little-known condition can feel horrible, confusing and never ending. However it doesn’t have to be this bad forever. Physiotherapy is a proven approach to alleviate pain, enhance jaw function, and improve your overall quality of life.
TMJD, or temporomandibular dysfunction, affects the joints, muscles, and soft tissues of the jaw. It can lead to facial pain, neck and shoulder discomfort, headaches, jaw clicking, tinnitus, facial muscle tightness, and a host of other symptoms.
TMJD is an often overlooked and poorly understood condition that can be the underlying cause of various common symptoms. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the hinge connecting your lower jaw to your skull. Problems with this joint can cause pain or clicking and popping sounds, indicating issues with the TMJ and the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues.
When the TMJ fails to function properly, it is termed TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) or TMJD. This can result in:
· Facial pain
· Limited mouth opening
· Teeth grinding (bruxism)
· Headaches
· Dizziness
· Muscle spasms and tension
· Referred pain to the neck, shoulders, and back
· Hearing problems and tinnitus
· Blurred vision
TMJD is often addressed by dentists or oral surgeons who may recommend pain relief medications or splints/devices to prevent teeth grinding. While focusing on teeth and occlusion is important, it often overlooks the muscles and soft tissues around the joint, which are frequently the primary source of pain.
Available Treatments for TMJD
Physiotherapy aims to relieve pain and restore normal movement and function at the TMJs. TMJ physiotherapy primarily targets the jaw, neck, and shoulders, but if there are additional postural issues in the back or hips, these areas are also treated. A combination of hands-on treatments (such as massage, acupuncture, and myofascial release) and exercise rehabilitation is used. Research has shown that physiotherapy can significantly reduce facial pain, headaches, and other TMJD symptoms, decreasing the need for surgery, dental procedures, and other irreversible treatments.
Each person with TMJD will have different symptoms and causes of their issues. An individualised assessment and treatment plan is key to resolving and managing symptoms long term. To find out more or book an appointment for TMJ physiotherapy, get in touch.
