Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to tenderness and pain due to a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint), facial nerves, surrounding soft tissue and/or musculature. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw bone to the skull.
The TMJ has two important functions. It acts as a hinge to open and close the mouth, and acts in a sliding motion referred to as translation. During translation the lower jaw goes down and forward. Translation helps making activities like yawning, singing and chewing possible. For all your Chiropractor needs in Pretoria contact Joint Health Chiropractic today
TMD can be classified into three categories:
- Myofascial pain dysfunction that involves the jaw, neck and shoulder muscles
- Internal derangement of the joint, displaced or dislocated disc
- Degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis of the jaw joint
The highest incidence of TMD is among young adults aged 20-40. Females are three times more likely to suffer from TMD than males. The risk factors and causes of TMD include degenerative joint diseases like arthritis, nail-biting, teeth grinding, trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, infections, poorly fitting dentures, dental conditions, and hypomobility/hypermobility of the TMJ.
TMD has an extensive range of symptoms including:
- clicking or popping of the TMJ
- decreased jaw opening
- difficulty chewing due to jaw pain
- neck pain
- facial pain
- ear pain
- headaches
- tinnitus
- dizziness
- teeth sensitivity
If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, you may suffer from TMD, but the good news is – we can help!
TMD responds very well to chiropractic care. Trigger point therapy is applied to five key muscles including the suboccipital, sternocleidomastoid, pterygoid, temporalis and masseter. Chiropractic manipulation/mobilization of the TMJ and cervical (neck) spine to help restore restricted or decreased movement. If the masseters are very tight, the above-mentioned can be combined with dry needling.
There are a few measures that can be taken at home to manage TMJ-related pain:
- Eating softer foods
- Avoid chewing gum, biting nails or talking/chewing excessively
- Applying a hot pack for pain reduction and increasing blood flow; applying an ice pack for acute pain
- Stress reduction and relaxation techniques
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the involved muscles
- Soft tissue massage of the involved muscles
- Consider a night guard to protect the surfaces of your teeth from grinding
Be careful when attempting to exercise the painful area. Gentle stretching and relaxation techniques should be incorporated first before TMJ strengthening exercises. The strengthening can be incorporated once the initial ache has subsided. Stop any stretching/strengthening activity if it causes pain.
FAQ – Temporomandibular disorder
When it comes to TMJ, what are the dos and don’ts?
Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing, such as the crusts of bread, tough cuts of meat, raw vegetables, etc. Do not use gum while undergoing therapy. You shouldn’t open your mouth wide like you would to snip a thread. Never use your front teeth to bite down on food.
How do you deal with TMD symptoms?
TMD self-management instructions, like those for other repetitive motion disorders, typically advise patients to rest their masticatory muscles by voluntarily limiting their use. This includes refraining from activities that overuse the masticatory muscles (like oral habits or clenching teeth), as well as avoiding hard or chewy foods.
How long does it take to recover from TMJ disorder?
The good news is that most people see a complete resolution of their TMJ symptoms within three weeks. However, disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) might linger for months or even years if they are caused by a more serious underlying condition, such as arthritis or bruxism.
What factors aggravate TMJ symptoms?
a lack of vitamin D, which can lead to muscle discomfort; poor posture, which can cause your lower jaw to move forward and disrupt the normal operation of your jaw muscles; weak neck muscles, which can put an unnecessary strain on your TMJ; certain drugs, which can cause grinding and clenching; muscle pain.
With TMJ, what is the most comfortable sleeping position?
The symptoms of TMD might be made worse by sleeping on your side with your hand under your pillow. This dangerous sleeping posture causes a misalignment of the head and neck, which can lead to TMJ pain. Sleeping on one’s back is recommended for those with TMD since it helps maintain neutral positioning of the head and neck.