TMJ Dysfunction
Are You Ready to Find Relief for Your Jaw Pain?
If you have difficulty chewing, yawning, or experience jaw pain or hearing clicking when opening/closing your mouth, you may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ dysfunction. This condition causes stiffness and pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
The temporomandibular joint links your jaw to your skull. Injuries or damage to this joint may cause TMJ dysfunction. The temporomandibular joint is made up of many important elements, including bones and muscles. This can lead to pain on one or both sides of the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, or chew.
Could you be living with TMJ dysfunction? Request a complimentary consultation with Wellspring Health Center to find relief with physical therapy.
Physical therapy relief and TMJ dysfunction
In some cases, people can use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin, can help for some, as well as applying an ice pack to the joint area to provide relief. You may also find temporary relief through soothing essential oils, such as clary sage or lavender.
Sometimes when there is no long-term relief from home remedies, medical treatments may be needed. Doctors may prescribe stronger muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief. A jaw specialist may also use a dental splint to prevent teeth from shifting or offer other medical treatments, such as trigger point acupuncture, TMJ arthroscopy, or joint replacement. If you are set on not taking pain-relieving medication and want to take a more holistic approach, physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for TMJ dysfunction.
At your first visit at Wellspring Health Center, an assessment of your neck, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine will be done to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms. Afterward, one of our dedicated Eden Prairie, MN physical therapists will create a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms and specific needs.
Your physical therapist will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas surrounding your neck and head. This will positively affect your function and regular interaction of the jaw muscles and joints.
Your customized plan may include any combination of treatments and modalities, such as jaw exercises, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, trigger point therapy and electrical stimulation.
I think I may have TMJ dysfunction – how can I tell?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems can cause pain in the jaw, popping the jaw, headaches and soreness in the surrounding muscles, a locking jaw, and earaches. A number of things can cause TMJ dysfunction, but some of the most common causes are misalignment of teeth, gum chewing, teeth grinding, arthritis, and jaw injuries. There is no single method or surefire way of diagnosing TMJ dysfunction.
If you believe you may have TMJ dysfunction, a medical professional will perform tests to determine if this condition is causing your symptoms. For example, they will ask about your medical history and examine your jaw and surrounding areas. They may also refer you to an experienced dentist or ear, nose and throat specialist for an exam.
Before identifying a patient as suffering from TMJ dysfunction, it is important to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as trigeminal neuralgia or salivary gland disease. Once your diagnosis has been determined, you will work through a treatment plan customized to the nature of your symptoms.
Find relief for TMJ dysfunction today
If you are in Eden Prairie, MN suffering from the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, request a complimentary consultation at Wellspring Health Center. Our physical therapists are patient-centric and committed to your health, working hard to help you manage and eliminate symptoms.
Don’t suffer from jaw pain and stiffness any longer!
