If you feel a twinge of pain in your jaw while you’re eating, you might immediately jump to the conclusion that the ache is a problem that can be solved with a visit to the dentist. But there’s a common reason for pain in your jaw that can be treated without needing to book a dentist appointment.
TMJ pain stems from your temporomandibular joint not properly functioning. It can make it difficult to open your mouth wide enough to eat, laugh or yawn. While a dentist may be able to diagnose the issue, there are other ways that you can treat TMJ pain, including physical therapy.
Read on to learn about the basics of TMJ pain and possible treatment options to help alleviate the ache, including physical therapy.
What is TMJ pain?
TMJ pain refers to an ache in the sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull, which is called the temporomandibular joint. Pain in this jaw joint is called TMJ dysfunction or disorder, though many people refer to it as TMJD or simply TMJ.
Besides pain, TMJ is often associated with other symptoms, including:
- Lockjaw or limited jaw movement.
- Pain in your face or neck.
- Clicking or popping sounds from the joint site.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Headaches.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
Potential causes of TMJ include:
- Trauma.
- Arthritis.
- Joint erosion.
- Teeth clenching or grinding.
- Jaw structure issues.
- Growth disorders.
TMJ pain treatments that don’t require a dentist appointment
Even though a dentist can help determine the cause of your TMJ, there are many other options you can explore when you’re trying to treat the ache. Whether you’re looking for some treatment options that you can test out at home, or you want the expertise of a health care professional, you’re bound to find something that can help treat your TMJ without the need for a dentist.
Here are some potential TMJ treatment options:
- Pain relievers — If you’re looking for temporary pain relief, ask your health care provider about taking medications. They may recommend over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. They can also prescribe other medications, such as muscle relaxers.
- Diet changes — Most people with TMJD experience pain while they’re chewing crunchy, chewy or hard foods. That’s why switching over to a diet of soft foods can reduce the risk of TMJ pain. That also means avoiding anything that requires excessive chewing, such as gum.
- Hot and cold therapy — Both hot compresses and ice packs can provide temporary relief for your pain. While the ice pack reduces possible swelling, the heat increases blood circulation to help the healing process. Each one should be applied to the TMJ for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Psychotherapy — Believe it or not, your mental health can impact your TMJ. Stress can play a role in your pain because it can cause you to clench your teeth, often subconsciously. With psychotherapy, you can work through stressful issues in your life and also learn stress relief techniques for the future.
- Physical therapy — One of the best options for pain management is physical therapy. While many people assume that physical therapy only works with large areas of the body, there are several PT techniques that can help alleviate the tension in the muscles surrounding your temporomandibular joint.
How physical therapy can help treat TMJ pain
Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for TMJ because it helps to reduce the pain while increasing the joint’s strength and range of motion. It can also accelerate the healing process by boosting circulation to the muscles.
Here are some potential physical therapy treatments for your TMJ pain:
- Manual therapy — A common manual therapy technique for TMJ dysfunction involves the therapist using their hands to manipulate the affected soft tissue in your jaw. The goal is to relax the tense muscles that are causing your pain and reduced range of motion.
- Targeted exercises — Your physical therapist can show you stretching exercises to help alleviate the muscle tension that’s affecting the joint. They can walk you through jaw stretching exercises as well as shoulder, neck and facial exercises that may also help.
- Dry needling — A physical therapist can use a technique called dry needling that involves using thin needles to stimulate the tight muscles in your jaw. The needles cause the muscles to contract and release the tension that’s contributing to your TMJ.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find a caring partner to address your TMJ pain
Need a partner to help you address your TMJ pain? Alliance Physical Therapy Partners is here for you.
We can help you find the in-person or virtual physical therapy that’s right for you, and even better, we’ll help you find a team of caring professionals who are ready to walk with you through your entire PT journey.
Contact us today to start getting the care you need.
Get Help at a Location Near You