Temporomandibular (TMJ) Dysfunction – What is it and how is it treated?

What is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint or as it is more commonly known, TMJ, is the place where your jaw connects to your skull. For being so small, it is a very complex and important joint we use in everyday life without thinking about it. The TMJ joint allows our jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forwards and backwards. These motions allow us to chew, yawn, talk, and swallow. It is made up of bones, ligaments, and disks just like other joints in our body, and if they are not aligned or synchronized it can cause symptoms like pain or limited mouth movement.

Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

Common causes of TMJ disorders would include trauma, excessive strain on the muscles of the neck/shoulder/face/jaw, clenching or grinding of teeth, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or undergoing things like radiotherapy treatment. They have also seen some connections with TMJ disorders and irritable bowel syndrome.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

Signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction may include jaw pain or discomfort particularly in the morning or evening, headaches, pain spreading in the eye/face/shoulder/neck/back, earaches or ringing without a specific cause, clicking, or popping of the jaw, locking of the jaw, limited mouth movement, clenching or grinding of teeth, dizziness, teeth sensitivity without oral disease, or changes in the way your teeth may fit together. If you have some of these symptoms it is important to check with your doctor or dentist to rule out any other causes like cavities, ear infections, etc.

Treatment of TMJ Dysfunction

Most cases of TMJ dysfunction are temporary and respond well to conservative treatment. Some extreme cases may require surgery. However, physiotherapy is a great way to help treat your TMJ dysfunction and here at Ballsbridge physiotherapy, Emily Smyth is our resident TMJ specialist.

She can complete a thorough assessment of your head, neck, back and jaw to identify any stiffness, loss of movement, and muscle tightness. She can then treat those findings with techniques like soft tissue massage or joint mobilizations. She may also give you targeted exercises to correct posture, loosen up tight muscles or stiff joints, and strengthen weak muscles. She can also provide you with individualized advice and refer you on to other healthcare providers as needed.

If you feel like you are struggling with TMJ dysfunction, do not hesitate to contact us at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy in Dublin 4 to schedule an appointment with Emily.

**Please note - This blog is for educational purposes and should not replace individualized or direct medical advice from your doctor or health care provider