Have you been experiencing facial pain, tightness, locking or clicking when opening and closing your mouth? Or perhaps you have been experiencing head and neck aches or even ringing in your ears? You could have a problem with your temporomandibular joint.
What is the temporomandibular joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located just in front of your ears, where your jaw bone connects to the temple bone of your skull. You can feel your TMJ if you gently place your fingers in front of your ears and open and close your mouth.
It is a complex joint which relies on several ligaments and muscles to control its smooth motion. The TMJ is also the most used joint in the body. Think about it … every time you talk, smile, yawn, eat, drink or chew you are using your TMJ!
What is temporomandibular dysfunction?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) is often thought to be a result of repetitive motion and overuse but it simply means any condition that causes pain and dysfunction of the jaw and any of the muscles that control it.
TMJD is common and thought to affect approximately 35% of the population. Interestingly, most people with TMJD will also have several contributing factors relating to their neck and may experience neck pain or even headaches.
Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction
Whilst TMJD can present in a variety of different ways, most people will experience a dull ache or pain around their jaw. This can also be felt around the face, teeth, ears or even the neck and shoulders.
Other symptoms can include:
- Difficulty chewing (especially hard, crunchy or sticky foods)
- Jaw clicking, popping or locking
- A grating sensation whilst chewing
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth properly
- Headaches
- Ringing or ‘hissing’ in the ears
What causes disorders of the temporomandibular joint?
There are several potential causes of TMJD. These can include:
- Direct trauma to the joint
- Excessive joint stress from chewing, fingernail biting, yawning, jaw clenching or grinding teeth
- Poor posture
- Sleeping positions
- Arthritis
- Whiplash type injury
- Stress
- Dental interventions or surgery
How is temporomandibular dysfunction treated?
Your physiotherapist is well placed to assess the contributing factors of your TMJD and give you sound advice on daily lifestyle and eating habits that can help to reduce your pain.
Massage, heat or ice, dry needling and mobilisations of the joint can all help to ease your symptoms. Your physiotherapist will also guide you through a series of exercises to assist with your posture and to help reduce the strain of your jaw and neck muscles.
Other treatments your physiotherapist may use include:
- Advice around your workstation or office ergonomics
- Referral to a dentist to be fitted for a night splint
If you think you might have a problem with your jaw or have been experiencing any of the symptoms above then give our practice a call on 03 6237 0045. We can book you in for an assessment to discuss your treatment options today!
Written by Kyle Saunders (MPhysio, BExSc, APAM)