The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a focal point for people with jaw pain, chronic headaches, and tooth grinding problems, any of which could be a symptom of TMJ disorder, or TMD. This musculoskeletal dysfunction has a wide range of symptoms and therefore a wide range of potentially successful treatments with physical therapy.
The TMJ is actually a pair of joints located at the upper rear of the jaw below each temple. These joints are crucial for eating and speaking, among other basic jaw functions. They are controlled by several muscles, the largest being the cheeks’ masseter muscles, which are what cause jaw clenching.
If you’re suffering from symptoms that might be related to TMJ disorder, we have physical therapists nearby who might be able to help.
Causes/types of TMJ disorders
TMJ pain overlaps with many other types of conditions, including dental pain, migraine, or even sinus infections, which is why it’s crucial to seek out a thorough diagnosis before taking a treatment plan into your own hands. Doing TMJ exercises, stretches, or massage without knowing exactly what is causing your symptoms can make the problem worse.
The causes and symptoms of TMJ pain are often interrelated, where pain in another area may cause you to clench your jaw, leading to pain in your jaw, and vice versa. However, by drawing attention to a few key symptoms, a physical therapist can help you develop a plan to manage or relieve your pain to bring lasting relief.
Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction
The main symptom of temporomandibular joint dysfunction is jaw pain. However, clenching your jaw is not the only symptom, and others can be present at the same time, including:
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Jaw stiffness
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Toothaches
- Tinnitus
- Changes in teeth position or jaw position
- Shoulder pain
How physical therapy can help treat TMJ
Since TMJ disorders often have overlapping symptoms and causes, a comprehensive treatment plan for your specific symptoms might include a variety of approaches, not limited to pain medication, intraoral devices, or even cognitive behavioral therapy.
Our physical therapists will complete an evaluation by performing a thorough evaluation. Tests may include an overall physical examination and visual examination of your jaw range of motion. We’ll also spend time listening to your symptoms and asking about your medical history, including any experience with neck, shoulder, or jaw pain in the past.
Once we have a better idea of what your goals are and how you’re currently experiencing pain, we will begin a series of appointments to release tension, retrain your muscles, and correct improper posture as needed.
TMJ treatment exercises
It’s difficult to know just by doing research online how to cure TMJ permanently for your specific experience of the disorder. In some cases, performing jaw exercises can help release tension and teach your jaw muscles how to flex and extend without causing pain. They might include resistance training, training your tongue to rest in a different position, and even breathing exercises.
In other cases, however, such stretching or exercise can put too much stress on the delicate bones of the jaw or face, which can make the problem worse.
TMJ treatment with physical therapy
If you’re looking for relief from chronic jaw, head, or neck pain, TMJ disorder treatment may be right for you. Physical therapy takes a natural, evidence-based approach to restoring function and pain-free living to those suffering from TMJ pain. Learn more about what treatment might look like for you by calling a nearby office location or requesting an appointment online today.
