Is Jaw Dysfunction and Pain Limiting Your Life? PT can help!
Do you have trouble eating or experience discomfort when yawning? Do you deal with persistent pain or discomfort in your jaw? Do you hear a click when you open or close your mouth? If this is the case, you may have TMJ dysfunction, or “temporomandibular joint disorder.”
The temporomandibular joint is the link between your jaw and your skull. TMJ dysfunction is a condition that causes discomfort and stiffness in this jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. TMJ dysfunction can arise if the joint is injured or damaged.
If you’re tired of coping with the discomfort in your TMJ, physiotherapy can help. Request an appointment with one of our Newcastle, ON physiotherapists by clicking here.
Causes and symptoms of TMJ disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure consisting of bones, tendons, and muscles that can cause pain on one or both sides of your jaw. This can make opening your mouth, talking, yawning, and chewing difficult.
There are several reasons why TMJ dysfunction may develop, but misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding, or jaw injury are the most common causes.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? If so, contacting a physiotherapist at Newcastle Physiotherapy and Sports Rehab is a good idea for pain relief.
There is no exact way to diagnose TMJ dysfunction, but our Newcastle, ON physiotherapists will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam if you think you might be dealing with this disorder. Your physician may also refer you to an otolaryngologist or a dentist specializing in jaw disorders.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Headaches
- Sore jaw muscles
- Lockjaw
- Pain in the temples
- Earaches
- Jaw pain
- Pain when eating or chewing
- Jaw popping
Before diagnosing TMJ, any other medical conditions should be ruled out, as symptoms may also be related to conditions known as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disease, or even swollen lymph nodes. Once your diagnosis has been determined, you will be treated based on the nature of your symptoms.
Physiotherapy can help with TMJ pain and discomfort
Home remedies can be used to treat TMJ dysfunction in some cases. Some people respond well to medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. Ice packs applied directly to the jaw joint can also help relieve pain. You may also find temporary relief through sedative essential oils, such as clary sage or lavender. When home remedies do not succeed in providing long-term relief, however, medical intervention may be required. Stronger muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed in many cases.
A specialist may also employ dental splints to guarantee adequate teeth alignment and to prevent dental grinding. Trigger-point acupuncture, joint replacement, and TMJ arthroscopy are among other medical therapies.
Physiotherapy may be one of the most effective treatments for TMJ condition if you opt to forego pain medicines and take a more natural approach.
What should I expect with PT treatment for TMJ?
At your first appointment with Newcastle Physiotherapy and Sports Rehab, a thorough examination of your neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine will be performed to determine whether those structures are causing your symptoms.
Then, based on the complexities of your symptoms and your specific needs, one of our professional physiotherapists will create a treatment plan for you.
Our physiotherapist will assess jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas surrounding the neck and head. The goal of physiotherapy treatments is to restore your normal function as well as the interplay of your jaw muscles and joints.
Your care plan may include a variety of procedures and modalities, such as jaw exercises, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound.
Do you think you could benefit from TMJ treatment?
Our Newcastle, ON physiotherapists are patient-centered and committed to your health, working hard to help you manage and eliminate symptoms. If you are living with symptoms of TMJ dysfunction Request an appointment at Newcastle Physiotherapy and Sports Rehab today! Do not live with jaw pain and stiffness any longer.