Jaw
(TMJ)
Dysfunction
Contact
Pace Physiotherapy
4 Malop Street
Geelong, VIC 3220
t: 03 5242 8398
f: 03 5242 8395
e: info@pacephysiotherapy.com
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The Jaw is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, allowing you to talk, chew, yawn, swallow and sneeze. Thus, dysfunction relating to the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) is very common.
Symptoms include clicking or popping with opening or closing of the mouth, pain around the jaw joints, locking of the jaw, headaches and an improper bite (teeth do not fit together properly).
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
The most common dysfunctions associated with the TMJ are inflammation, muscle imbalances, hypomobility, and hypermobilty. The synovium, retrodiscal tissue and the capsule can become inflamed in the TMJ causing pain and discomfort.
Possible causes for TMJ dysfunction:
Trauma to the joint; a blow to the jaw or head
Excessive stress to the joint from gum chewing, fingernail biting, yawning, chewing on a pen, chewing on ice, and grinding the teeth
Jaw abnormalities, missing teeth, poor bite (malocclusion)
Resting the head in the hands
Arthritis of the TMJ
Dislocation of the disc
Myofascial pain dysfunction
Postural abnormalities, especially with a forward head posture
Whiplash injury
Prolonged mouth and upper respiratory breathing
Thumb sucking
Ligamentous laxity
Birth/Congenital trauma
Common signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction:
Clicking or popping with opening or closing
Pain at rest or with opening/closing of the jaw
Decreased ability to open the jaw (hypomobility)
Neck pain
Tooth sensitivity
Dry or burning sensation in the mouth
Uncomfortable bite
Forehead or temple headache
Buzzing or ringing in ears
Hearing loss