Physiotherapy for TMJ Dysfunction

Feb. 6, 2014 - PRLog -- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) connects your skull and the mandible (jaw bone) just before your ear on either side of you head. It is responsible for opening and closing and the side to side movements of your jaw. They are felt by placing your fingers in front of your ears while opening and closing your mouth. The TMJ is made up of bones, muscles and tendons all interacting to allow biting, talking, chewing and yawning. TMJ dysfunction is the acute or chronic inflammation of the joint and is a common course of jaw pain.

Sign and Symptoms: Jaw pain or an ache around your ear or in your chewing muscles. Pain may radiate in the face, neck or the shoulders. Headaches - 80 % of patients with TMJ dysfunction experience headaches, pain worsened with opening and closing the jaw, after eating a meal, or with the onset of cold weather. There may be restricted movement of your jaw, audible sounds including clicking, popping or grating sounds with mouth opening or closing. Dizziness - 40 % reported dizziness or imbalance. Hearing problems - 33 % reported muffled or clogged ears as well as ringing in the ears.

What Causes TMJ dysfunction? A direct injury or blow to the TMJ Muscle, head forward posture, deteriorating of the cartilage in the joint, stress or anxiety, people who clench or grind their teeth, bite their nails and chew gum are more susceptible.

How Can Physiotherapy Help? A physiotherapist may do an extensive assessment of your TMJ that will include measuring the range of motion in your TMJ, assessing the mobility of the TMJ, and observing your posture. They will also keep an eye out for any asymmetries or muscle imbalances of your jaw, neck and head as well as listen and feel for clicking or grinding with mouth movement. After an assessment your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises to help manage and reduce your pain and symptoms. TMJ dysfunction is treated successfully in 75 percent of people who follow a treatment plan with multiple treatments. Treatment may include: Use of modalities that includes laser, ultrasound, heat and ice to provide pain relief and decrease inflammation. Stretching and strengthening exercises to address any muscle imbalances and correct posture. Manual techniques which includes mobilizations and soft tissue manipulation. Relaxation education on prevention, prognosis and relaxation techniques.

Tips to Prevent TMJ Dysfunction: Reduce oral habits - stop chewing gum and nail biting. Eat soft foods or cut foods into small pieces. If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, ask your dentist about a mouth guard.

At Queen West Physiotherapy, our Physiotherapists are highly experienced in treating TMJ Dysfunction and can help heal your pain. You can contact us 905-450-780 for further information or visit our website at www.queenwestphysio.ca.