TMJ Treatment Massage
Our registered massage therapist has been trained in treating Temporomandibular Joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ. It is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. It can cause significant pain and discomfort, making it difficult to chew, speak, and even open or close the mouth properly.
Causes of TMJ
- Jaw Misalignment: A misalignment between the upper and lower jaw can put strain on the temporomandibular joint, leading to TMJ disorder. This misalignment can occur due to factors like genetics, improper development of the jaw, or a traumatic injury.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Bruxism, which refers to the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, can contribute to TMJ disorder. The excessive pressure exerted on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles during teeth grinding can lead to inflammation and discomfort.
- Stress: Chronic stress can cause individuals to unknowingly clench their jaw or grind their teeth, leading to TMJ disorder. The tension in the jaw muscles from stress-related habits can strain the temporomandibular joint and contribute to pain and dysfunction.
- Arthritis: Various forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, can affect the temporomandibular joint. Arthritis causes inflammation and damage to the joint cartilage, leading to TMJ symptoms.
- Trauma or Injury: A direct blow to the jaw, jaw dislocation, or whiplash from an accident can damage the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. Such injuries can disrupt the alignment of the jaw joint and result in TMJ disorder.
- Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth): Irregularities in the bite or misaligned teeth can contribute to TMJ disorder. An improper bite puts strain on the jaw joint, as the muscles have to work harder to achieve proper alignment during chewing and talking.
- Oral Habits: Certain oral habits, such as nail biting, pen chewing, or excessive gum chewing, can strain the jaw joint and exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
It’s important to note that TMJ disorder can often result from a combination of these factors rather than a single cause. Identifying the specific cause or causes of TMJ disorder is crucial for devising an appropriate treatment plan and addressing the underlying issues contributing to the condition.
Symptoms of TMJ
- Jaw Pain: One of the primary symptoms of TMJ disorder is pain or discomfort in the jaw joint. This pain can be localized to the jaw area or radiate to the face, neck, and shoulders. The intensity of the pain can vary from mild to severe and may worsen with jaw movement or chewing.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Many individuals with TMJ disorder experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they open or close their mouth. These sounds are often caused by the shifting of the jaw joint’s disc or the irregular movement of the joint itself.
- Headaches: TMJ disorder can trigger headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. The jaw joint’s dysfunction can lead to muscle tension and strain in the surrounding head and neck muscles, resulting in headache pain.
- Earaches: TMJ-related earaches are often described as a dull, aching pain in or around the ears. The proximity of the temporomandibular joint to the ears can cause pain that is mistaken for an ear infection or other ear-related issues.
- Facial Pain: TMJ disorder can cause facial pain, typically felt in the cheeks or temples. The pain may be intermittent or persistent and can be accompanied by muscle stiffness or a feeling of facial fatigue.
- Difficulty Chewing or Jaw Locking: Some individuals with TMJ disorder may experience difficulty or discomfort when biting, chewing, or opening their mouth wide. In severe cases, the jaw joint may lock momentarily, making it challenging to open or close the mouth fully.
- Tooth Sensitivity: TMJ disorder can cause sensitivity in the teeth, especially if the misalignment of the jaw affects the bite. The pressure exerted on the teeth due to the joint dysfunction can lead to tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain: TMJ disorder can contribute to the development of neck and shoulder pain. The interconnectedness of the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles can result in referred pain, where discomfort in the jaw joint extends to these areas.
It’s important to note that the symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary among individuals, and not everyone experiences the same combination or severity of symptoms. If you suspect you may have TMJ disorder, we are here to help!
Our Treatment for TMJ – The Good News!
It will typically involve an intraoral massage of the pterygoids, around the mandible, and the multifidi of the neck. Usually it only requires one 30-minute treatment to repair TMJ disorder.
You may also be interested in the following services: massage therapy, FSM, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
