All About the TMJ

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 (𝗧𝗠𝗝). ⁣

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 The TMJ are the 2 joints in either side of your face, just in front of your ears, that connect the lower jaw to your skull. ⁣

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These joints, along with several muscles and ligaments, and a disc on each side, allow the mandible (lower jaw and chin bone) to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. ⁣

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 The TMJ performs important actions such as chewing, yawning, talking, and swallowing. ⁣

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When TMJ and associated structures are not aligned or are tense or inflamed, several problems can occur, including pain and dysfunction. ⁣

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𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 (TMD)?⁣

TMD is considered to be any problem that prevents the structures of the jaw from working in harmony together and might present as:⁣

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-Myofascial pain & disorders of the muscles used for chewing ⁣

-Disorder of the joint ⁣

-Headaches associated with TMD⁣

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A study by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research identified clinical, psychological, sensory, genetic, and nervous system factors that may put a person at risk of developing chronic TMD. ⁣

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𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 & 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗠𝗗 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:⁣

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• Jaw discomfort or soreness⁣

• Headaches⁣

• Pain that spreads to the face or neck ⁣

• Jaw stiffness ⁣

• Painful clicking or popping of the jaw⁣

• Locking if the jaw (with opening or closing)⁣

• Limited mouth movements⁣

• Clenching or grinding teeth  ⁣

• Ringing in the ears ⁣

• A change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together ⁣

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 Thankfully, there are several options for treating and managing TMD, including osteopathy. ⁣

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In my next post, I’ll share a bit about what an osteopathic approach to TMJ pain/ dysfunction management might look like. In the meantime, drop any questions in the comments section.