If you are feeling pain and fatigue in your jaw, your daily life may be severely limited. Our physical therapists want to give you freedom from jaw pain so that you can eat, talk, and laugh again without having to limit yourself.
There could be a number of causes of your jaw pain. If your pain is recurring and a dentist has ruled out tooth damage, it is likely that you have TMD, commonly misnamed as TMJ.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) is dysfunction of the joints that connect the lower jaw bone to the skull on either side of the head. This dysfunction may include improper alignment, lack of synchronized movement, or an imbalance of jaw muscles.
There are many causes of TMD. Genetics, traumatic injury, stress, arthritis, teeth grinding (bruxism), and more can cause and exacerbate Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. When you receive treatment for your TMD at Pain Science PT, we will work to find the cause of your TMD in order to treat it from its source.
You may have TMD if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the jaw or near the ear
- Fatigue with prolonged opening or use
- Clicking or popping with movement
- Lock jaw
- Headaches or neck pain
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Misaligned upper and lower teeth
If left untreated, TMD associated pain can worsen. Cartilage in the temporomandibular joints can wear down. Lock jaw can become more frequent with longer durations. Quality of life is heavily impacted. Luckily, TMD treatment isn’t scary or complex!
Our physical therapists are well educated on the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint and treatment of its dysfunction and pain. Your physical therapist will evaluate your history, current level of pain, and jaw mobility to diagnose your TMD and uncover its cause. Your treatment plan will include:
- Manual therapy
- Education on self-management techniques
- Strengthening for jaw musculature
- Education on the science of pain and how to train the nervous system
- Postural control and ergonomics
- Coordination with your dentist and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care
Our team of physical therapists at Pain Science Physical Therapy is passionate about helping you take control of your jaw pain and regain your functions. Call our office or schedule online for an evaluation!
