Do you experience, discomfort or pain when opening your mouth to eat, chew or talk? Do you get headaches, ear ache, neck pain or even find it difficult opening your mouth? Is there an associated clicking or popping when you open your mouth?
These are common complaints in about 5-15% of the population, young people are more affected and more women than men.
We classify theses complaints under the diagnosis TMJ disorders.
Chiropractic and physiotherapy is here to help… this article will enlighten you about how both chiropractic and physiotherapy can help you.
TMJ disorders explained
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the most active joint in your body, it therefore causes so much frustration when its dysfunctional. As depicted in the picture below TMJ consist of head of mandible and an articular disk. There are also some closely related muscles that are critical in the movement of the joint and may cause the joint to be dysfunctional if they have spasms or are unwell.
TMJ pain is caused when either the disc or the jaw bone is pulled from its regular position. This can sometimes occur when the surrounding muscles become too tight and place undue strain on your jaw.
Wear and tear can also be a cause in people who grind their teeth and trauma from such as a fall or motor vehicle accident.
Other causes of TMJ pain may include the following:
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Dental conditions,
- Derangement of the articular disk.
There is also a big correlation between headaches, migraines and TMJ pain. Most of those experiencing jaw pain, report one side migraines and neck pain.
The jaw dropping good news is it can be managed with a good prognosis. We believe in the integrated treatment approach of physiotherapy and chiropractic.
A physiotherapist will work on the muscles surrounding the TMJ and give exercises to reduce abnormal movement caused by muscle trigger points and spasms, and a chiropractor will mobilize or adjust the joint as well as the surrounding joints to restore normal movement and biomechanics of the TMJ.
This multidisciplinary approach has shown good results in managing pain and improving lifestyle.
Written by
Dr. Phetheka Ina Ngobeni, Chiropractor.
Joy Waihenya, Physiotherapist
Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Health Centre
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