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:

  1. Joint Noise: Clicking, Popping, Crepitus
  2. Locking: Open or Closed
  3. Pain with Jaw Movement in or Around the Ear, Neck, Teeth, Eye, and May Include Headache and/or Muscle Pain or Tension
  4. Asymmetry in Movement
  5. 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

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