Temporomandibular joint disease or dysfunction is a frequent ailment that affects the jaw’s everyday actions, such as opening and chewing. More than 50 million individuals in the USA and Canada are now suffering from it.
It can lead to various issues, including poor posture, persistent jaw clenching, misalignment of the teeth, and fractures and disorders like lockjaw, in which the muscles surrounding the jaw spasm and limit the mouth’s capacity to open. Physical therapists assist persons with TMJ in reducing discomfort, regaining normal jaw mobility, and reducing everyday jaw stress.
Now, let us understand what is TMJ pain? And how can physiotherapy help with it?
TMJ is a common condition that causes discomfort and limits the jaw’s normal functions, such as opening and chewing. The temporomandibular joint connects your mouth to your skull and is located in front of your ear. Through opening and shutting mouth and moving it from side to side, the TMJ controls jaw movement and allows you to talk, yawn, or chew.
Causes of the TMJ.
– Bad posture habits.
– Problems with teeth alignment.
– Chronic jaw clenching.
– Surgery.
– Fracture.
– Displacement of the disc or soft tissue of the jaw.
– Arthritis in TMJ.
– Trismus.
Symptoms of the TMJ.
– Nausea.
– Left-arm pain.
– Shortness of breath.
– Chest pain.
– Numbness in the left arm.
– Dizziness.
It can cause your jaw to lock or become trapped in one position or another. You could get headaches, have difficulty chewing particular meals, or have trouble completely opening your mouth.
Diagnosis.
To recognize the cause of your symptoms, your physiotherapist might do the following;
– Examine your medical history and speak with your doctor about any past medical conditions.
– Analyse your jaw and neck, paying special attention to the soft tissue and muscles in the region.
– Ask you about your symptoms, including any headaches, and look for any neck and TMJ pain patterns.
Your physiotherapist will inspect your posture and the movement of your cervical spine, which is the top part of your spine located in your neck. Your physical therapist will assess your TMJ to see how well it operates and if any anomalies in your jaw movements exist.
If your physical therapist feels that the misalignment of your teeth causes your discomfort following the evaluation, they will recommend you to your dentist for a more thorough assessment.
How can a physiotherapist help in treating TMJ?
Your physical therapist can assist you in regaining normal jaw mobility and reducing discomfort. Your therapist will choose techniques as per your health. Find the best clinic that provides temporomandibular joint pain therapy in Calgary to get rid of TMJ pain.
Your treatment might include the following;
Postural awareness.
You exert extra stress on the muscles below your chin when you sit with your head tilted forward, causing the lower jaw to draw back and the mouth to open even while you’re resting, placing additional strain on the TMJ. To keep your mouth from being open all the time, you may be overworking your jaw muscles. Physiotherapist will teach you how to improve the resting position of your jaw, head, neck, breastbone, and shoulder blades by being aware of your posture when sitting and walking.
Improvement of jaw movement.
Physical therapists utilize expert hands-on techniques to help tissues and joints move more freely and reduce discomfort. Manual therapy may be used to stretch the jaw, restore normal joint and muscle flexibility, and break up scar tissue that can form when there is persistent damage.
Your physical therapist will teach you unique “low-load” exercises that will strengthen your jaw muscles and restore a more natural, pain-free mobility without putting too much strain on your TMJ.
Pain management.
If your pain is unbearable, your physical therapist may use electrical stimulation or ultrasound to help you feel better.
A check-up by a dentist.
Your physical therapist can recommend you to a dentist specializing in TMJ who can rectify the alignment using specific equipment, such as “bite guards,” that establish a natural resting posture to relax the TMJ, decrease discomfort, and enhance jaw function.
Conclusion.
Pain, stiffness, and other jaw and TMJ-related issues can be caused by a variety of conditions. The TMJ specialist near you can treat them with a customized treatment plan tailored as per your requirements.
