Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is pain in the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. TMD can be acute or chronic, but the exact cause of TMD is sometimes difficult to determine. Symptoms may include:
Pain in one or both of the jaw joints
Pain in or around your ear
Pain with chewing
Headaches
Facial pain
Limited range of motion in your jaw or locking of the joint
Clicking or popping when you open your mouth or chew
Sometimes symptoms are temporary and resolve on their own, but if symptoms are severe or persist it’s time to seek treatment. Finding a Physician, Dentist, Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, or Massage Therapist that has special training in treating TMD is important.* Your provider will do a thorough evaluation of your jaw and the surrounding muscles, and may recommend x-rays, a CT scan, or MRI.
Treatment may include moist heat or ice, medication (anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or antidepressants), ultrasound, light therapy,, oral splints or mouth guards, exercises for stretching and/or strengthening, massage, or relaxation strategies. Education in factors that may be aggravating your pain can also be helpful so that you can avoid them, such as biting your fingernails or clenching your jaw. In rare cases, injections or surgery may be needed.
~Nicole Hutchison, PT, CSCS, Health Coach, Integrative Nutrition Coach
*At Statera, we recommend scheduling with one of our Chiropractors and/or Julie Haufe, Massage Therapist. Please call 563-207-8932 to schedule.
Comments