The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint in front of the ear which allows us to speak, chew, swallow, kiss, and produce normal facial expressions. Problems to this joint are usually caused by injuries from whiplash, falls, trauma at birth, etc, but can also be due to stress and normal wear and tear. It is very common for the onset of symptoms to be delayed for months or years after an injury.
Do you suffer from any of the following?
- Discomfort or pain in the muscles of the face, neck and shoulders
- Clicking, grating or popping in the jaw
- Clenching and grinding teeth and jaw
- Pain or difficulty talking, chewing or yawning
- Headaches or dizziness
- Earache or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Jaw deviation on opening or closing
- Jaw locks open or shut
- Painful teeth
- Pressure or blocked sensation in the ears
These are all common signs and symptoms indicating dysfunction to the temporomandibular joint.
Treatment of the muscles of the head, face, neck, and shoulders can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing trigger points and muscle spasms that cause the jaw to function abnormally. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed problem, but when identified and treated early, the improvement rate is remarkably high. If left undiagnosed, however, and after the TMJ becomes chronic, the improvement rate drops drastically, and it is possible that you may remain with some permanent symptoms. Thus, early identification and treatment by a competent TMJ specialist is essential for your immediate and future well-being.
So please contact us today if you suffer from any of the above symptoms so we can restore Balance to your TMJ.
References: Werner, R. (2005) A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, Third Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.NZCM Handbook (2007) Clinical Therapeutics 4.