Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Therapy in Orleans, ON
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is a common issue that many people experience.
Here are some frequently asked questions about TMJ pain:
WHAT IS TMJ PAIN?
·TMJ pain refers to discomfort or pain in the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. The TM Joint is located just in front of your ear. Functional tasks like eating, chewing, talking, and yawning can be painful.
WHAT CAUSES TMJ PAIN?
· TMJ pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including jaw injury or trauma, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, stress, muscle tension, or parafunctional habits like nail or cuticle biting, biting on your lip or the inside of your cheek, chewing on a pencil or toothpick, etc.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ PAIN?
· Common symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, limited opening or excessive hypermobility with opening, headaches, facial pain, and certainly cervical spine pain can coexist.
CAN STRESS CONTRIBUTE TO TMJ PAIN?
· Yes, stress and anxiety can contribute to TMJ pain by causing muscle tension in the jaw area. In addition, and unfortunately, some of the very medicines to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression can cause or contribute to increased TMJ muscle activation and lead to TMJ Pain. Please see my last blog on the side effects of various medications.
HOW IS TMJ PAIN DIAGNOSED?
· Diagnosis often involves a thorough physical examination of the jaw, and cervical spine, dental and medical history review, a sleep and airway assessment and sometimes imaging tests like my favorite the Cone Beam Scan or MRI.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR TMJ PAIN?
·Treatment may include self-care measures such as applying heat or ice packs and avoiding hard or chewy foods. The team at Orleans Physiotherapy can help relieve TMJ pain by using T TENS therapy uses a small device to deliver low-level electrical impulses to the affected TMJ area. This treatment helps reduce muscle tension and pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Acupuncture, Laser and Manual Therapy are also treatment options therapists use at Orleans Physiotherapy
ARE THERE EXERCISES TO HELP WITH TMJ PAIN?
· Yes, certain jaw exercises and stretches may help improve the strength and flexibility of the jaw muscles. Postural correction exercises are crucial. The team at Orleans Physiotherapy can provide a home exercise program to help relieve TMJ pain.
IS THERE A CURE FOR TMJ PAIN?
· In MOST cases, TMJ pain can be managed effectively with conservative treatments as mentioned above. Severe cases, fractures, and cancer of course may require more advanced interventions or surgery.
