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TMJ Pain and Disorders.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a common condition that affects the jaw's natural functions, such as opening the mouth and chewing. It impacts over 10 million people in the U.S., more often in women aged 20-40.

TMD can be caused by poor posture, jaw clenching, teeth misalignment, fractures, or conditions like lockjaw.

At iMOVE, we help patients with TMD alleviate pain, restore normal jaw movement, and reduce stress on the jaw.

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Causes of TMD : 

  • Poor Posture: Forward head posture, common during desk work or long commutes, can strain the TMJ.

  • Chronic Jaw Clenching: Often due to stress, which puts pressure on the TMJ.

  • Teeth Misalignment (Malocclusion): Unusual teeth positioning increases stress on the TMJ.

  • Fractures or Trauma: Injuries to the jaw can cause TMD, even after healing.

  • Surgery: Certain facial or jaw surgeries may lead to TMJ dysfunction.

  • Lockjaw (Trismus): Muscle spasms that prevent full jaw opening, often linked to trauma, tetanus, or radiation therapy.

  • Disc Displacement: Causes popping or clicking sounds in the jaw.

  • Arthritis: Can affect the TMJ, causing pain and stiffness.

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Symptoms of TMD : 

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  • Jaw pain and fatigue

  • Difficulty opening your mouth

  • Ringing in ears, dizziness, headaches

  • Popping sounds in the jaw

  • Neck pain, locking jaw

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Diagnosis : 

To diagnose TMD, we will review your medical history, assess your posture, and physically examine your jaw and neck. We will also evaluate how your TMJ moves and whether there are any abnormalities in jaw motion.

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How a Physical Therapist Can Help ?

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Physical therapy can restore jaw movement and reduce pain. Treatment may include:

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  • Posture Education: Correcting head and neck posture to reduce strain on the TMJ.

  • Improving Jaw Movement: Manual therapy to increase joint flexibility and relieve pain.

  • Pain Treatments: Electrical stimulation or ultrasound for severe pain.

  • Posture Correction: Guidance on maintaining better posture to prevent future TMD episodes.

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At iMOVE, we tailor treatments to your specific needs to help you recover from TMD and prevent future issues.

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