Temporomandibular Joint Dyscuntion

What to expect with Chiropractic Treatment?
Dr. Kara Otuomagie

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles, often causing pain, discomfort and a variety of other symptoms including headaches and migraines. TMJ can be a challenging condition to manage because we are always using our jaw (even when we think we aren’t); this can be in the form of chewing, talking, clenching and grinding.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ

• Jaw Pain or tenderness, often increased during times of stress
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort whilst chewing
• Aching pain in and around the ear
• Headaches/ Migraines
• Facial pain, often in the morning
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close the. mouth
• Clicking of Popping Sounds when opening the mouth

The causes of TMJ dysfunction can often include trauma to the jaw, arthritis, misalignment of teeth and the number one cause — chronic grinding and clenching of the teeth (bruxism). People often find their jaw pain increases during time of stress, as a result there is very much a psycho-social component to TMJ Dysfunction.

Chiropractic Treatment of TMJ Dysfunction: A Muscle-Specific Treatment

1. Assessment of the muscles of the Jaw
   The goal of treatment and care is to relieve tension on the joint and reduce inflammation and assist with alignment of the jaw when the mouth opens and closes. Some of the muscles that may be overused can cause strain, and ensuring that they are moving effectively is essential for the joint to move freely. The usual muscles at play are the massetter, pterygoids and temporalis.
2. Manual Muscle Release Techniques
   Using various techniques such as active release therapy, trigger point therapy, instrument assisted soft tissue therapy and in some cases intramuscular stimulation or dry needling.
3. Adjustments to the Cervical and Thoracic Spine
   Research has shown that improving mobility to the neck and mid-back can improve TMJ Dysfunction. The effects largely aide to allow for un-laboured movements that are not inhibiting causing strain on the temporomandibular joint.
4. Strengthening Exercises
   Posture, believe it or not plays an important role in TMJ Dysfunction, having a hunched over and forward posture can cause the muscles that attach to the jaw and the base of the neck to work in overdrive, leading to increased tension, which is often felt as pain. Working to strengthen your postural muscles will assist to reduce the strain.
5. Stress Management
   With the largely psycho-social component to TMJ Dysfunction, working to address the cause of the stressors in your life and where you ‘hold’ you stress is crucial. In fact, one of the greatest determinants of a positive prognosis is reduction in stress. Working to find relaxation techniques throughout the day, and cues to assist you
6. Ergonomic and Lifestyle Modifications
   Anything from sleeping positions like side-lying and cranking your jaw in one direction, to overuse of gum chewing to use of devices such as laptops, smartphones and computers can play a major role in overall posture and exacerbate muscle strain. Making small changes can have a big role in the stress on the muscles and the joint allowing for relief of pain and overall improvement.

All in all, temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be debilitating, but mindfulness, changes of your day-to-day and Chiropractic care can offer improved outcomes. By focusing on the muscles surrounding the TMJ and addressing the root causes of dysfunction, Chiorpactors can help if you are experiencing jaw pain. Have a question? Email us hello @kineticliving.ca to schedule an initial assessment to manage your TMJ dysfunction.