Are you having difficulty chewing or yawning? Do you have jaw pain? Do you hear a clicking noise when you open and shut your mouth? If so, these may all be symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ dysfunction, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. This can make it very difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, and chew.
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. If there is an injury to this jaw joint or it becomes damaged in any way, jaw pain may develop into TMJ dysfunction. It’s important to realize that the temporomandibular joint is a complex and important structure composed of bones, tendons, and muscles that may cause you to feel pain on one or both sides of the jaw. If you are suffering from TMJ dysfunction, or you think you might be, contact BeActive Physio today to schedule an appointment for TMJ treatment in Oakville and find relief.
How is TMJ dysfunction assessed?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to understanding TMJ dysfunction. If you believe you may be suffering from this condition, a medical professional will analyze your medical history and perform a physical exam. Your physician may refer you to an otolaryngologist or a dentist who focuses on jaw pain and related conditions in Oakville. Before evaluating a patient with TMJ dysfunction, it's important to consider other potential medical issues, as symptoms might also arise from conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disorders, or swollen lymph nodes. After your evaluation, your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific symptoms, emphasizing effective TMJ care in Oakville.
Why does TMJ dysfunction happen?
- Genetics, Age, and Gender: Factors such as genetics, gender (with women more commonly affected), and age play roles in the likelihood of developing TMJ disorders.
- Physical and Psychological Stress: These stresses can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of temporomandibular joint disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, often extending to facial pain.
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing, and aching around the ear.
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth.
- Jaw popping
- Headaches
- Pain in the temple
- Earaches
There are many reasons why TMJ dysfunction may develop, but some common causes include misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding, or a jaw injury. At BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville, we understand that TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction can be more than just a nuisance—it can impact your daily life. The TMJ combines hinge action with sliding motions, which means any issue like inflammation, strained muscles, or disk problems can cause significant discomfort.
Understanding TMJ Noises and Pain with BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville
Clicking Sounds in TMJ
It's not uncommon for individuals with TMJ disorder (TMD) to hear clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing their mouth. This noise often results from the disk inside the joint shifting. Sometimes, this sound is audible to others nearby. While jaw clicking is common and occurs in one third of the population, it usually isn't a cause for concern unless it's accompanied by pain or functional limitations, such as the jaw becoming stuck in an open or closed position. These symptoms could indicate a more serious instance of TMD.
Cycle of TMD Muscle Pain
Muscle pain related to TMD is typically felt in the cheeks (masseter muscles) and the temples (temporalis muscles), the primary areas for jaw-closing muscles. Waking up with soreness and stiffness can often be attributed to nighttime teeth clenching or grinding.
Understanding Joint Pain in TMJ
Joint pain from TMJ disorders is often akin to arthritis, characterized by inflammation within the joint. Imaging modalities, such as radiographic techniques, can provide insights into potential alterations of the temporomandibular joint that may indicate elements associated with arthritic changes; however, the variability of symptom presentation among individuals can be considerable, as some may demonstrate radiographic signs yet remain pain-free, while others may endure substantial discomfort and functional impairments with no evident imaging findings. While there is no conclusive method to enhance arthritis management, certain medications may provide relief from symptoms for some individuals.
Relieving TMJ Pain
At BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville, we explore a range of treatments tailored to your specific symptoms and needs. We provide physiotherapy strategies to address and alleviate the underlying causes of your TMJ dysfunction. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve long-term relief and improved jaw function.
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, don’t hesitate to contact us at BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville to schedule an assessment and begin your journey to relief.
Despite these specifics, sometimes the exact cause of TMJ pain remains unclear. Often, it's linked to excessive strain on the jaw joints due to habits or conditions that overwork the jaw muscles, such as:
- Bruxism: Habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.
- Trauma: Injury to the jaw, head, or neck.
How is TMJ dysfunction treated?
In some cases, home remedies can be used to treat TMJ dysfunction. Some people respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin. Applying ice packs directly to the jaw joint can also help relieve pain. You may also find temporary relief through sedative essential oils, such as clary sage or lavender.
When home remedies don’t work at providing relief, medical intervention may be necessary. Stronger muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage pain. A qualified dental professional may suggest the use of a dental splint to help ensure proper alignment of teeth while also reducing the occurrence of teeth grinding. Other types of medical treatment include trigger point acupuncture, joint replacement, or TMJ arthroscopy.
However, if you want to avoid taking pain-relieving medication and use a more holistic approach, physiotherapy is perhaps one of the most effective treatments for TMJ dysfunction.
BeActive’s Approach to TMJ treatment Physiotherapy:
At your initial appointment for TMJ treatment in Oakville at BeActive Physiotherapy, a comprehensive evaluation of the neck, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine will be done to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms. Afterward, one of our dedicated physiotherapists will create a treatment plan based on the nature of your symptoms and your specific needs.
Our experienced team of physiotherapists will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas surrounding your neck and head. The aim of physiotherapy is to enhance your everyday function and promote the harmonious interaction of the jaw muscles and joints. Your treatment plan may consist of any combination of methods and modalities, including jaw exercises, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques,
Contact BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville for Jaw Pain Relief
If you’re experiencing discomfort related to TMJ dysfunction or suspect you might be, reach out to us today. Our dedicated therapists in Oakville, ON, are here to guide you on your journey toward relief and achieving your wellness objectives through our tailored physiotherapy services. Our physiotherapists prioritize your well-being and are dedicated to guiding you in managing your symptoms effectively. Don’t suffer from jaw pain and jaw stiffness any longer; contact BeActive Physio today for TMJ treatment in Oakville.
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