Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) encompasses a range of issues that lead to pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. This complex joint allows for the essential movements of chewing, speaking, and yawning, but when problems arise, they can significantly impact your quality of life.

The root causes of TMD can vary, often stemming from imbalances in the muscles that control jaw movement. These imbalances can lead to discomfort and dysfunction, affecting up to 25% of the population. Most commonly, TMD symptoms manifest in individuals aged 20 to 50, with a notable prevalence in females, who are 2-3 times more likely to experience this condition.

 

Common Symptoms of TMD

Patients with TMD may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Jaw Clicking: A noticeable sound when opening or closing the mouth, often accompanied by discomfort.

• Limited Mouth Opening**: Difficulty in fully opening the mouth, which can hinder eating and speaking.

• Jaw Locking: A sensation where the jaw becomes stuck in an open or closed position.

• Pain: Typically described as an ache located in front of the ear canal, TMD pain can also radiate to other areas, including the face, head, neck, and shoulders.

Many TMD patients report that chewing or eating exacerbates their symptoms, and headaches are a common complaint associated with this disorder.

 

Contributing Factors to TMD

Several factors can contribute to the development of TMD. Individuals who clench their jaw or grind their teeth, particularly during sleep, are at a higher risk. Additionally, poor posture and emotional stress can exacerbate muscle tension around the jaw, leading to further complications. Interestingly, those who have experienced a “whiplash” injury are three times more likely to develop TMD.

 

The Overlooked Connection: Neck Pain and TMD

An often overlooked aspect of TMD is the role of the neck. Tightness and dysfunction in the muscles and joints of the neck can refer pain to the jaw, leading to discomfort that may be misattributed solely to the TMJ. In some cases, individuals may experience jaw pain without any direct issues in the jaw itself.

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Seeking Relief

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation. Treatment options may include physical therapy, stress management techniques, and lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing muscle tension and improving jaw function. By addressing both the jaw and neck, you can work towards alleviating pain and restoring balance to your body. Don’t let TMD disrupt your life—take the first step towards relief today!

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Our Approach to TMJ Syndrome and Jaw Pain

Many people in our local tri-state area have found TMJ Syndrome and jaw pain relief through chiropractic, manual therapy, and corrective exercise here at Performance Sport & Spine.  Since each person is unique, an individual approach is taken with each patient.  Listed below is our general approach at providing TMJ syndrome relief.

• Address the joints of the neck and jaw. Research has found chiropractic adjustments can help restore motion of tight joints in the neck and reduce the intensity of jaw pain.

• Loosen the muscles around the neck and jaw. We use techniques like Active Release Techniques and dry needling and to reduce muscle tension. Laser Therapy is helpful at reducing pain and inflammation in the jaw joint.

• Corrective exercise that helps strengthen the muscles of the neck and reduce tension in the jaw has been shown to improve symptoms associated with TMJ syndrome.

• We will work together to address and reduce jaw pain triggers such as: poor posture, eating “rubbery” foods, gum chewing, sleep position, jaw clenching, and emotional stress.

 

If you live in or around the Quincy area and are experiencing TMJ Syndrome or jaw pain that doesn’t seem to get better, call us at 217-222-580 to work with our team and begin finding relief.