What is TMJ Dysfunction?

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ is the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint. These are two joints that connect your jawbone to your skull, and they are supposed to work harmoniously to open and close your jaw for talking, eating, swallowing, etc. When the joints, muscles, and/or ligaments are not working well together, they can cause many issues, such as:

Jaw pain, in or around the joints
Clicking or popping of the jaw joints
Locking of the jaw
Limited mouth opening
Muscle spasm of the jaw

TMJ Dysfunction has 3 types of pain with different treatment approaches:

Arthritis of the joint – degenerative or inflammatory
Internal derangement of the TMJ, such as dislocation of the TMJ, disc displacement, or injury to the condyle
Myofascial pain, which is pain of the muscles and connective tissues of the joint – this type of pain is the most common source of TMD and can be alleviated through TMJ massage therapy!

TMD Symptoms

Bruxism (clenching or grinding of your teeth)
Clicking or popping sensations when opening and closing the mouth
Headaches
Earaches
Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
Neck, shoulder, back pain
Pain behind the eyes
Dull, aching pain in the face
Sleep-disordered breathing
Insomnia
And much more!

What causes TMJ Dysfunction?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” explanation for TMD, but seems to be a multi-factorial disorder that arises from issues with the muscles of the jaw or the jaw joint itself

Common possible causes include:

Forward head posture
Injury to the jaw or muscles of the jaw
Whiplash
Head and neck trauma
Suppressed emotions, such as anger, rage, bitterness, sadness
Arthritis of the joint
STRESS, which can cause tight jaw muscles or bruxism
Mouth breathing
Tongue-tie

Treatment of TMJ Dysfunction

Here at Jaw Zen Therapies, I will utilize a combination of techniques tailored to your specific needs – such as myofascial release, intraoral massage, trigger-point therapy, and Swedish massage. However, due to TMD being a complicated disorder, I recommend finding a combination of treatments to help bring your jaw pain to a manageable level. Some effective options include:

Jaw Zen Therapies sessions
Self Care!
Yoga
Meditation
Chiropractic Care
Myofunctional Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy
Splint or night guard made from your dentist (help prevent clenching and grinding of your teeth)
Botox injection to the spasming muscles
Acupuncture
Muscle relaxants