Have you been experiencing jaw pain that is sometimes associated with tight surrounding muscles and/or a clicking or popping sensation? Then you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and here’s everything you need to know about it and how osteopathy can help with it.
What is it and what causes it?
A TMJ dysfunction refers to a range of issues affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint is where the lower jaw connects to the skull, just in front of the ear. A TMJ dysfunction can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with jaw movement.
The causes of a TMJ dysfunction can often arise from a variety of things, however common causes include:
Jaw injuries
Teeth grinding
Poor posture
Stress
Arthritis
Jaw alignment issues
Muscle imbalances
Genetics
Habitual behaviours
Signs and symptoms
TMJ dysfunction can present in a variety of ways, varying in signs and symptoms, and intensity and duration. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
Jaw pain around the ears and lower jaw
Facial pain around the cheeks and temples
Ear pain and fullness, sometimes mistaken for an ear infection
Headaches, around the temples and eyes
Clicking and popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Jaw locking
Limited jaw movement
Surrounding muscle tenderness
Teeth grinding
Change in bite and teeth alignment
Discomfort around neck and shoulders
Dizziness
How can Osteopathy help?
Osteopathic treatment for TMJ dysfunctions usually involve:
Manual therapy: Hands on techniques to manipulate the muscles and joints around the TMJ, to improve joint mobility, reduce tissue tension and alleviate pain.
Postural education: Provide guidance on proper posture and ergonomics to reduce strain on the jaw and surrounding muscles.
Holistic care: Addressing not just the symptoms but also underlying factors that might contribute to TMJ issues.
Education and self-care: Providing self-care techniques, including exercises to strengthen or stretch the jaw muscles, dietary adjustments and strategies to manage stress and prevent teeth grinding.
If you think you might have a TMJ dysfunction or have some questions regarding this condition, then it might be a good idea to come in and see one of the Osteopaths at Canterbury Health Hub. Here we can provide a thorough assessment, tailored treatment and develop a personalised management program.