The Temporomandibular joint (“Jaw” Joint), often known as the TMJ, is a joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) and the temporal bone of the skull. When an individual experiences any pain or unusual symptoms like clicking or popping in this area, it is called TMD (temporomandibular disorder) or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome. Usually, the pain of TMJ syndrome traverses between the areas of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles.
Do you know females are afflicted more frequently than males, with 9 females having severe agony and impaired jaw mobility for every 1 male? Various studies have proved that 20 to 40 years of aged people are mostly maltreated by TMJ dysfunction. It is also a widely ignored condition. This disorder is always required to be treated as a primary concern because ignorance of TMD can create several critical problems for individuals. Therefore, go for a TMJ Physiotherapy Ottawa to recover at the earliest.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
A Registered Physiotherapist can assess, diagnose and appropriately treat TMJ disorders. A detailed medical history, some special tests, and examinations are completed in establishing and confirming the diagnosis.
Treatments include resolving the cause, using physical and electrical agents for pain relief, soft tissue release and joint mobilization, education, and self-management strategies.
Length and frequency of visits depend on many different factors like the severity of the problem, age of the problem, cause of the problem, etc.
What Causes the TMJ to Hurt?
Some of the common causes of Jaw pain are-
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Improperly fitted devices in the mouth
- Poor posture in the neck and upper back
- Ear problems
- Certain Dental procedures
- Tight muscles in the neck, upperback and facial area
- Stress
- Lifestyle and eating habits
- Injury or trauma to head and face
How Can You Prevent the Onset of TMJ Pain?
- Get treated for any dental problem that arises in a timely manner
- Get treated for any ear infections or other ear issues in a timely manner
- Wear your mouth guards and splints as prescribed by the dentists regularly
- Ensure the correct fitting of your mouth devices by the dentist
- Practice relaxation and calming techniques
- Avoid habits like chewing gum or biting nails
- Be aware of your posture and follow good mechanics of your body
- Get treated for any injury to the head, face, neck, and back areas in a timely manner
Symptoms of TMD Disorders
- Difficulty in chewing, talking, yawning, eating, taking big bites
- Click, pop, or grinding sound from the jaw
- Severe facial pain
- Joint lock
- Difficulty in stretching and closing the mouth
- In addition to pain in the ear, there is often pain around the ear a well.
- Premature wearing of teeth
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Home Exercises to Help Manage Your Symptoms
To receive relief from TMJ pain, there are a few exercises you can do at home. However, consultation with a TMJ-certified Physiotherapist is strongly recommended, regarding your specific condition. You must visit a TMJ Physiotherapy Ottawa soon.
1. Relaxed Jaw Exercise
A very common exercise of TMJ dysfunction is relaxed jaw exercise. In this case, you need to place your tongue behind your top front teeth on the roof of your mouth. And, flex your jaw muscles while allowing your teeth to fall together.
2. Resist Yourself to Open Your Mouth
This exercise is a popular one that helps to strengthen your jaw power. To perform the activity, you require to put your thumb underneath your chin. Next, gently open your mouth, softly pressing against your chin for resistance. Wait for four to six seconds before gradually closing your mouth.
3. Resist Yourself to Close Your Mouth
Here, you are required to press your chin with one hand’s thumb and index. Apply slight strain on your chin while closing your mouth. This will aid to strengthen the muscles that help you chew.
4. Tongue Up Practice
In this exercise, you are simply required to gradually open and shut your mouth with your tongue contacting the top of your mouth.
Do not wait if you have any of the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Visit, Stayfit Physio and Spinal Decompression Centre, a renowned clinic of TMJ Physiotherapy Ottawa today!
