TMJ
Joseph Grant, PT, ATC, EdM
The Temporomandibular joint is one of the most overused joints of the body. This hinge joint is suspended from the skull by muscles and ligaments. It is the only joint attaching the jaw to the skull. Every time we talk and eat, movement occurs at this joint. Poor posture, teeth occlusions, neck dysfunction and stress can all affect the biomechanics of this specialized joint and its accompanying disk. It may lead to pain often manifesting as tooth and/or earache, decreased ability to open the mouth, join clicking and occasionally locking episodes. A thorough evaluation of TMJ is usually suggested if symptoms are experienced. A splint may be designed for you by your dentist of specialists to improve the mechanics of the joint.
Manual physical therapy may help stretch the muscles and ligaments around the joint to help relieve pressure and decrease pain. Pain management may include physical therapy modalities. Finally, patient education for position of the joint, appropriate foods, stress reduction, as well as proprioceptive re-education of the joints surrounding the tissues may also be beneficial.
Please contact us at Back To Action if we can help you get rid of your TMJ symptoms.
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