WHAT IS TMJ?
TMJ, short for Temporomandibular Joint, is a hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. It is responsible for the movements of the jaw, including chewing, talking, and yawning.
TMJ disorder (TMD) refers to any condition that causes pain or dysfunction in the TMJ and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms of TMD include jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, headaches, and ear pain. TMD can be caused by a variety of factors such as injury, teeth grinding, stress, or misalignment of the jaw.
Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, dental appliances, and in severe cases, surgery.
WHO SHOULD I SEE AT ABSOLUTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS?
An individual suffering from TMJ disorder (TMD) could greatly benefit from seeking treatment from a team of healthcare professionals at Absolute Health and Wellness, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, osteopaths, and naturopaths.
Physiotherapists can help with exercises and manual therapy techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension in the jaw and neck. Chiropractors can perform adjustments to alleviate pain and improve spinal alignment, which can help relieve pressure on the jaw. Massage therapists can provide deep tissue massage to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. Osteopaths can use hands-on techniques to release tension in the jaw and neck muscles. Naturopaths can provide holistic treatment options, including nutritional counseling and supplements, to support the body's natural healing process.
By working together, these healthcare professionals can create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the individual's specific needs and goals, helping them to alleviate pain and dysfunction associated with TMD and improve their quality of life.
HOW WE COMMONLY TREAT TMJ?
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Massage Therapy: specific assessments can be made to discover where the TMJ dysfunction is coming from and how other structures may be involved. They can also do intra-oral procedures to help release muscles and alleviate pain.
- Exercise: rehab specific exercise may be useful
- Lifestyle and Behavior Modification: in some cases modifying the way we eat, what we eat, how we sleep and other lifestyle interventions can help with TMJ
- Acupuncture: our naturopaths and physiotherapists can do acupuncture, which is known to be helpful in managing symptoms of TMJ
Every person is different, and TMJ presents differently for everyone, so we always take an individualized approach to treating your TMJ Dysfunction.
