Love to eat these? But jaw pain is stopping you? That could be a sign of Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction.

How it works?

• The temporo-Mandibular joint consists of a Mandible(jaw bone) and Maxilla(Skull bone),which is present on either side of the face.
• Jaw carries out functions like biting, chewing, swallowing, opening and closing the mouth, speaking and yawning.
• Muscles around the jaw, help move it in order to carry out these movements smoothly.
• An articular disc slides back & forth to allow smooth movement of the jaw.

What causes Jaw pain?

• TMJ disc dysfunction/Slipped disc
• Direct trauma to Jaw
• TMJ Arthritis
• Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
• Poor posture(Forward Head Posture)
• Anxiety/Stress(Constant tension/tightness in facial muscles)
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Poor posture Anxiety/Stress

Symptoms:

• Jaw pain
• Tooth ache/ear pain
• Jaw clicking or locking
• Difficulty biting or chewing food
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Very less/Excessive jaw opening

How Can Physiotherapists Help?

• We can assess the TMJ and get to the Root Cause of the pain.
• Provide education on Jaw pain management.
• Prescribe Home Exercise Program.
• Perform Muscle Tension Release Techniques.
• Perform Manual Therapy techniques to improve mobility.
• Administer LASER therapy to reduce inflammation and pain relief.