There are many causes of TMJ pain, some of the common ones are: Trauma, arthritis of the TMJ, whiplash injury, postural abnormality, ligamentous laxity, psychosocial distress, teeth grinding, unaligned teeth, jaw abnormalities, prolonged mouth breathing, thumb sucking or the wearing of braces.
People with TMJ pain often complain of depression, poor sleep quality, a decrease in energy, dizziness or vertigo, abnormal swallowing, headaches, inability to comfortably open/close the mouth, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances and tingling in the hands or fingers.
Treatment for TMJ involves an examination of the neck, throat, the position the head is carried in; the tension in the ligaments which come from the TMJ to the throat and upper thoracic area, the muscles which work to open and close the mouth, the tension in the tongue and root of the tongue, deviation of the jaw when opening and closing the mouth and the comfort and degree of opening the mouth.
There are a variety of techniques which can be used to address these problems. Treatment is not a painful experience as many gentle balancing techniques are used. The patient will be given corrective exercises to strengthen and maintain balance in the TMJ.
TMJ pain affects more than 25% of the population and 90% of those seeking treatment are women. Different pathologies can affect the TMJ muscles, the joint and related structures, so it is important to seek treatment from a health professional such as an osteopath.
In my practice I receive referrals from Dentists for patients who suffer from jaw-temperomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
The point of difference at North City osteopaths is the amount of soft tissue work used to release muscles and ligamentous tissues prior to any manipulation. We address the arterial, lymphatic and nervous body systems to the tissues to help the body's own healing mechanisms. Postural and exercise advice is given to aid recovery and prevent symptoms recurring.
