TMJ Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction
Defined
Dysfunction of the Temporo-Mandibular Joint - the joint where the lower jaw joins the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head.
Symptoms may include:
- Joint Noise: Clicking, Popping, Crepitus
- Locking: Open or Closed
- Pain with Jaw Movement in or Around the Ear, Neck, Teeth, Eye, and May Include Headache and/or Muscle Pain or Tension
- Asymmetry in Movement
- Difficulty with Mastication (chewing)
The goals of treatment would be to:
- Decrease Pain and Inflammation
- Decrease Muscle Tenderness
- Improve Biomechanics
- Improve Functions- such as Eating and Talking
- Improve Postural Habits
- Control Parafunctional Activities, such as Clenching, Grinding
- Educate Patient on Joint Dynamics, and Self-management Program
- Stress Management Education
Treatment is best coordinated with the patients' Dentist, Orthodontist, and/or Oral Surgeon, and may or may not require an oral appliance. It could include:
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Cervical Stretching and Home Exercise Program
- Postural Education and Home Exercise Program
- TMJ Home Exercise Program
- Cranial Techniques
- Iontophoresis to Decrease Inflammation
- Modalities: Ice, Moist Heat, Short Wave Diathermy, Electrical Stimulation, Ultrasounds