05 Jul The Truth About Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) and Jaw Pain: How Physiotherapy Can Help
What many people don’t realise is that TMD can be a very painful and debilitating condition. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that over ten million Americans suffer from TMD, making it one of the most common problems seen by dentists and oral surgeons.
The most common symptom of TMD is pain in the jaw, face, and/or ear. This pain can be constant or intermittent and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. Other symptoms of TMD include:
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you move your jaw
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- A feeling of fatigue or stiffness in the jaw
- Pain when yawning or opening your mouth wide
- Lockjaw (when your jaw gets “stuck” in one position)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a physiotherapist who specialises in TMD. They will diagnose the root cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Sometimes, misalignment of the teeth or jaw can pause TMD, which can put undue stress on the TMJ. In other cases, it may be due to clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism), which can lead to inflammation and pain in the TMJ.
Whatever the cause, physiotherapy can be an extremely effective treatment for TMD. A physiotherapist will work with you to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the jaw, as well as help you learn how to properly relax the muscles to reduce pain and tension. They may also recommend exercises to improve your range of motion and help you regain normal function of the TMJ.
If you are suffering from TMD, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner you see a physiotherapist, the sooner you can start on the road to recovery. Contact me today to book an appointment. I would be happy to help you get on the path to pain-free living.
Thank you for reading! I hope this article was helpful in shedding some light on TMD and how physiotherapy can help. If you have any questions, please reach out.