Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD/TMJD)
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull. These joints are responsible for allowing the jaw to move, enabling actions like chewing, swallowing, speaking, and yawning. TMD/TMJD can present in a variety of forms, including jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening the mouth, locking of the jaw (trismus), headaches, ear pain, and a significant change in the ability to chew or speak comfortably.
Causes and Risk Factors for TMD/TMJD
Several factors contribute to the development of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD). The most common include:
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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Often caused by stress or anxiety, clenching and grinding your teeth, especially at night, can put significant pressure on the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and dysfunction.
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Jaw Clenching: Many people unknowingly clench their jaw throughout the day, especially during stressful situations. This repetitive action can strain the muscles and joints of the jaw.
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Physical Trauma or Injury: Any kind of impact or trauma to the face, neck or jaw, such as a car accident or sports injury, can cause damage to the jaw joint or surrounding tissues, resulting in TMD/TMJD symptoms.
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Posture Problems: Poor posture, particularly involving the neck and shoulders, can contribute to TMD by creating misalignments that affect jaw function. Forward head posture, for example, can strain the muscles that support the jaw.
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Dental Issues and Dental Work: Misaligned teeth, poorly fitted dental work, or jaw surgery can lead to discomfort or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint. Improper bite alignment may also exacerbate the condition.
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Stress and Emotional Tension: Emotional stress often manifests physically through jaw clenching or teeth grinding, leading to increased tension in the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD/TMJD
Several factors contribute to the development of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD). The most common include:
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Jaw pain or tenderness
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Decreased range of motion with opening the mouth
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Difficulty chewing or discomfort when chewing
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Difficulty or pain with yawning
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A clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
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Locking of the jaw, making it difficult to fully open or close the mouth
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Chronic headaches or migraines, often originating from the jaw muscles
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Earaches, tinnitus, or a sensation of fullness in the ears, despite no
actual ear infection -
Pain in the neck and shoulders, often linked to muscle tension in the jaw
Massage Therapy for TMD/TMJD Treatment
When it comes to treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, massage therapy can be an effective and natural treatment option. Treatment typically focuses on relieving tension and dysfunction in the muscles of the jaw, head, neck, and shoulders. Since TMD/TMJD is often caused or exacerbated by muscle tightness, releasing these areas can significantly reduce symptoms.
Intra-Oral Massage for TMD/TMJD
With most patients, intra-oral massage may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This involves gentle massage techniques applied inside the mouth to target the deep muscles of the jaw, such as the temporalis, masseter, lateral and medial pterygoid muscles. Intra-oral massage is particularly effective and safe treatment for those with TMJD/TMD as it directly addresses the muscles responsible for jaw movement.
At From the Neck Up, we believe that intra-oral massage should never hurt. It should feel relevant, therapeutic, important and safe.
Frequently asked questions
From the Neck Up for Jaw Pain Relief
If you're struggling with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJD), massage therapy offers a natural, non-invasive solution to relieve pain, improve jaw function, and reduce muscle tension. Whether you are dealing with jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, or jaw locking, massage therapy can be an integral part of your treatment plan. With a holistic approach that targets the muscles of the jaw, head, neck, and shoulders, massage therapy offers long-term benefits and can help restore normal function of the jaw.
If you’re looking for relief from TMD/TMJD, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced Registered Massage Therapist at From the Neck Up who all have over 100hrs of advanced training in assessing, treating and managing jaw disorders.