Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction:
The TMJ is located just in front of the ear. It is the joint where the jaw (mandible) meets the skull (temporal bone of the head). It moves during talking, chewing food, and yawning. The TMJ can be sprained when it opens too widely such as when eating something too large for the mouth (apple, Big Mac) or during dental procedures. Trauma can sprain it as during boxing. There is a disc which can be out of its ideal position and which can be one of the many causes of clicking in this joint. Clenching the muscles and grinding can increase the joint compression and cause pain. Trigger points in these muscles can cause pain. Any of these causes can cause pain directly in the joint in front of the ear or can cause referred pain to the neck. TMJ dysfunction frequently causes headaches. The function of the TMJ is affected by the teeth so your physiotherapist will work closely with your dentist to diagnose the problem and institute the treatment program.
Treatment includes:
Education about the condition and how to avoid making it worse, which may include education on how to eat various foods, postural corrections, or resting positions.
Therapeutic modalities to improve circulation and/or
reduce inflammation and pain such as ultrasound, laser,
interferential current, electrical muscle stimulation,
acupuncture.
Exercises to stretch or strengthen the appropriate muscles, primarily flexion exercises of the lumbar spine.
Manual therapy to improve the movement in the area and decrease pressure on the joint.
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