𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 (𝗧𝗠𝗝).
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.
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.
The TMJ performs important actions such as chewing, yawning, talking, and swallowing.
When TMJ and associated structures are not aligned or are tense or inflamed, several problems can occur, including pain and dysfunction.
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:
-Myofascial pain & disorders of the muscles used for chewing
-Disorder of the joint
-Headaches associated with TMD
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.
𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 & 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗠𝗗 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
• 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
Thankfully, there are several options for treating and managing TMD, including osteopathy.
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.