TMJ disorder affects millions of people worldwide, causing a wide range of symptoms from jaw pain and headaches to difficulty chewing. And if you’ve been struggling with these kinds of things off and on for a while, you’re probably hoping to get a definitive diagnosis to take the first steps toward effective relief.
Finding the right healthcare provider for TMJ treatment can feel overwhelming, especially since there are no formal regulations or standardized care protocols for this condition. This means various medical professionals—and even some non-medical practitioners—can advertise themselves as TMJ specialists. However, not all of them will be the best choice for your specific situation.
Understanding your options and knowing what to look for in a TMJ treatment provider can help you make an informed decision about your care. Let’s explore who diagnoses TMJ, what symptoms to watch for, and how to find the most effective treatment for your needs.
Symptoms of TMJ
The first step toward finding treatment is understanding your symptoms and choosing a healthcare provider. Common signs of TMJ dysfunction include both primary symptoms (directly caused by the underlying condition) and secondary ones (caused or triggered by the primary symptoms).
Primary TMJ disorder symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders (TMDs) include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty or pain when chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth wide
- Jaw locking in open or closed positions
- Changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together
Secondary symptoms
Experiencing chronic or persistent symptoms from TMJ disorder can cause problems beyond the jaw area, including:
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Ear pain or feeling of fullness in the ears
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness
- Facial pain or swelling
Who diagnoses TMJ?
In many areas, including Whatcom County, you have a few options for seeking treatment for TMD. These providers can provide a starting point for a TMJ disorder diagnosis by ruling out related conditions within the scope of their practice.
Dentists and oral specialists
When TMJ presents itself as tooth and jaw pain, many people may first consult their dentist about it. Dentists can identify bite problems, teeth grinding, and other oral issues that can be a part of TMJ disorders. They’re particularly skilled at addressing dental-related causes of the disorder.
However, dentists may focus primarily on bite alignment, mouth and teeth health, and some dental appliances, which might not address the full scope of TMJ dysfunction, especially when muscle tension and joint mobility are primary factors.
ENT specialists
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists often see patients with TMJ disorder because jaw problems can cause ear-related symptoms. ENTs can rule out other conditions that might mimic TMJ symptoms and provide valuable insights into how the disorder affects surrounding structures.
Physical therapists
Physical therapists bring specialized knowledge of musculoskeletal disorders and pain treatment methods to TMJ care. They understand how jaw dysfunction relates to neck problems, posture issues, and muscle imbalances throughout the body. This comprehensive approach often makes physical therapists particularly well-suited for TMJ treatment. After all, the jaw is a joint like any other in the body.
Choosing the right TMJ treatment provider
The TMJ Association recommends properly vetting your healthcare provider before committing to a course of treatment for TMJ disorder symptoms. Here’s what to look for:
Essential qualifications
- Experience with musculoskeletal disorders
- Knowledge of pain treatment methods
- Understanding of how jaw dysfunction relates to other body systems
- Willingness to work with other healthcare providers when needed
Questions to ask potential providers
- How many TMJ patients do you treat annually?
- What is your approach to TMJ treatment?
- Do you work with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive care?
- What is your success rate with TMJ treatment?
- Can you provide references from other patients?
Red flags to avoid
Be cautious of providers who:
- Promise quick fixes or guarantee results
- Recommend expensive treatments without proper evaluation
- Suggest irreversible procedures as first-line treatment
- Don’t explain their treatment approach clearly
- Seem unfamiliar with current TMJ research and treatment methods
Ways to treat TMJ disorder
As Physical Therapists, we can treat the temporomandibular joint using the principles that apply to treating musculoskeletal conditions throughout the body. In addition, physical therapists are uniquely trained to handle secondary or related conditions that may be concurrent with your TMJ symptoms.
Everyone’s treatment plan with physical therapy for TMJ will be different, but in general, we can utilize some of the following principles and techniques to help relieve symptoms:
- Manual therapy techniques
- Joint mobilization exercises
- Jaw strengthening and stretching exercises
- Postural correction exercises
- Relaxation techniques
- Stress management strategies
- Pain management techniques
Find a TMJ treatment provider today
Physical therapy is often recommended as a first step toward finding relief from the tension, pain, and joint-related issues of TMD. In some cases, we work alongside other medical professionals to ensure you receive the comprehensive care you need to live a normal life with less pain.
To learn more about how we may be able to help you get the answers and direction for treatment you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our clinics. Start a conversation with our amazing team by calling a clinic near you or by requesting an appointment online today.
