JAW PAIN / TMJ Dysfunction
What is TMJ dysfunction?
TMJ or TMD refers to temporamandibular joint dysfunction. It is often caused by injury to the jaw from a blow or whiplash. The joint may also be compromised by grinding or clenching the teeth which can create movement of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint. Arthritis may also be a contributing factor.
Massage is primarily used in cases where muscles have been loaded up or contracted for long periods of time due to clenching the teeth or jaw through stress or sometimes just from habit.
Cases involving whiplash also respond well to massage therapy treatment and often have excellent results as there is not a "habit" to break, unlike cases of grinding and clenching teeth.
The use of smart phones and computers has recently increased the propensity for these muscles to tighten up as they are often contracted with the neck flexed over or projected forward with hand held screens and devices (phones, iPads). This is caused by the increased tension in small muscles at the front of the neck carrying the whole weight of the head when it is tilted forward and the shoulders are rounded. The head normally weighs approximately 5kg. Correct posture with the head supported by the spine in its neutral position does not engage these small anterior neck and jaw muscles at all.
Pain may be experienced in the the face, jaw, neck and shoulders. It can sometimes extend to the ears, cheeks and up above the eyes due to pressure on the trigeminal nerve which passes close to the joint. Swelling into the face may also sometimes occur due to pressure on the nerve. At times it can feel like a tooth ache, cause dizziness and headaches, neck soreness and shoulder pain. Other symptoms may include ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and blocked sinus. Due to the tight musculature of the face, it can also affect speech, chewing and simply opening the mouth or cause pain when yawning.
Treatment:
Massage therapy for TMJ disorder commonly involves the client slowly opening and closing their mouth with moderate pressure applied to the affected muscles surrounding the neck, face and skull. This is commonly taught to clients for self care, as is intra oral self massage. Treatment in the clinic will also involve light frictions around the muscle attachment areas or the jaw and neck and around the skull depending on which muscles are involved.
Dry needling of the area may be an option in extreme cases and will only be carried out with the client's express consent, as will intra oral massage.
TMJ or TMD refers to temporamandibular joint dysfunction. It is often caused by injury to the jaw from a blow or whiplash. The joint may also be compromised by grinding or clenching the teeth which can create movement of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint. Arthritis may also be a contributing factor.
Massage is primarily used in cases where muscles have been loaded up or contracted for long periods of time due to clenching the teeth or jaw through stress or sometimes just from habit.
Cases involving whiplash also respond well to massage therapy treatment and often have excellent results as there is not a "habit" to break, unlike cases of grinding and clenching teeth.
The use of smart phones and computers has recently increased the propensity for these muscles to tighten up as they are often contracted with the neck flexed over or projected forward with hand held screens and devices (phones, iPads). This is caused by the increased tension in small muscles at the front of the neck carrying the whole weight of the head when it is tilted forward and the shoulders are rounded. The head normally weighs approximately 5kg. Correct posture with the head supported by the spine in its neutral position does not engage these small anterior neck and jaw muscles at all.
Pain may be experienced in the the face, jaw, neck and shoulders. It can sometimes extend to the ears, cheeks and up above the eyes due to pressure on the trigeminal nerve which passes close to the joint. Swelling into the face may also sometimes occur due to pressure on the nerve. At times it can feel like a tooth ache, cause dizziness and headaches, neck soreness and shoulder pain. Other symptoms may include ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and blocked sinus. Due to the tight musculature of the face, it can also affect speech, chewing and simply opening the mouth or cause pain when yawning.
Treatment:
Massage therapy for TMJ disorder commonly involves the client slowly opening and closing their mouth with moderate pressure applied to the affected muscles surrounding the neck, face and skull. This is commonly taught to clients for self care, as is intra oral self massage. Treatment in the clinic will also involve light frictions around the muscle attachment areas or the jaw and neck and around the skull depending on which muscles are involved.
Dry needling of the area may be an option in extreme cases and will only be carried out with the client's express consent, as will intra oral massage.
