TMJ (Jaw Pain) Treatment

TMJ Treatment

Factors Contributing To TMJ Pain

• Genetic presdisposition of muscles, ligaments, bones or trauma to the neck/face or jaw
• Stress increases muscle tension to the muscles of chewing
• Clenching or grind teeth during sleep can cause TMJ where the joint can contribute to joint noise (clicking sound in Jaw)
  

Causes Of TMJ

• Imbalances in the muscles of chewing
• Muscle overuse of muscles of jaw by chewing gum excessively, beef jerky
• Tooth loss
• Cranial bone misalignment especially the temporal bone
• Postural dysfunction especially those of the neck/shoulder muscles
• Increased stress
• Presence of osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ joint
• Direct or indirect trauma (injury) such as a blow to the jaw, whiplash etc.
  

Common Signs And Symptoms Of TMJ

• Can be on one side or both sides of the jaw
• Most common in people aged 15-45 and are more common in women than men
• Neuromuscular, skeletal or dental conditions
• Clicking popping occurs with movement of the jaw
• Pain in jaw especially with movements, and usually worse in the morning
• Possible headaches
• Possible muscle spasm in muscles of the jaw
• Decreased range of motion especially when opening the mouth