TMJ Dysfunction
Physiotherapy For TMJ Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on each side of the face, connecting the lower jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bones of the skull. These complex joints enable essential movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. Their intricate structure allows both rotational and sliding motions, making them prone to dysfunction.
TMJ dysfunction is often experienced as pain, clicking, or locking when opening or closing the jaw. Discomfort is typically felt in front of the ear but can also lead to headaches, neck pain, or difficulty eating and speaking. Left untreated, TMJ dysfunction can interfere with daily activities and lower your quality of life.
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Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Jaw Pain: Felt in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
- Audible Sounds: Clicking or popping noises with jaw movement.
- Locking Sensation: The jaw becoming stuck in an open or closed position.
- Headaches: Frequent headaches, sometimes resembling migraines.
Common Causes
TMJ dysfunction can result from various factors, such as:
- Injury: Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck.
- Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory joint conditions.
- Bruxism: Habitual teeth grinding or clenching, often during sleep.
- Stress: Tension in the jaw muscles caused by clenching or grinding.
- Structural Issues: Misalignment of the teeth or jaw.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy offers effective treatments to address TMJ dysfunction, including:
- Manual Therapy: Gentle techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension in the jaw and neck.
- IMS/Dry Needling: Relieving trigger points in the surrounding muscles to ease discomfort.
- Postural Training: Addressing forward head posture, which often contributes to TMJ pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve jaw control and mobility.
- Stress Management Strategies: Techniques to reduce clenching and grinding due to tension.