The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and is used anytime we open and close our mouth.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint are very common, affecting approximately 30% of Americans. Women are 3 times more likely to be affected due to increased laxity, which can lead to increased dysfunction of disc displacements.
Causes
- Grinding of teeth (termed bruxism)
- Clenching of the jaw
- Trauma to the jaw
- High stress levels
- Dental work
- Poor alignment of the teeth
- Arthritis of the jaw joint
Symptoms
- Ear pain or pressure
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Pain with chewing, especially with tough foods
- Limited mouth opening
- Clicking or popping when opening of closing the mouth
- Spasms of the muscles around the face and jaw
- Tension headaches
- Poor posture
- Locked jaw
- Difficulty swallowing
- Neck pain
Diagnosis
Your ENT on Physical Therapist will:
- Take a history of your symptoms
- Analyze how your jaw moves
- Look for signs of clenching and grinding
- Feel for increased tension in the muscles of your head, face, neck and jaw
- Analyze your posture
Treatment
- Massage to the muscles of the face, jaw, head and neck
- Individualized exercises to increase flexibility, strength and improve posture
- Joint mobilizations
- Education to reduce stress, promote sleep hygiene and review diet
- Night guards to reduce grinding and clenching at night
Prognosis
With most cases of TMJ disorders, the prognosis is very good. Following treatment, you can expect a reduction or elimination of jaw pain and discomfort, fewer headaches, better posture and improved stress management.