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TMJ Pain Relief Found Here...People search For TMJ pain relief and most often times end up not quite finding it. The joint in question is a very complex mechanism with many different actions that can leave many clinicians scratching their heads. Many people suffer from “jaw pain.” Most people say they have “TMJ.” Well, we all have a temporomandibular joint commonly known as the TMJ. So people suffering from pain associated with this joint actually have temporomandiublar dysfunction also known as TMJ dysfunction or TMD. There are a number of things that can cause people to have problems with this joint and send them looking for TMJ pain relief. We will go over the basic anatomy of this joint, the muscles involved, the problems that can occur, and the treatment for these conditions. Biomechanics of the Joint: - The TMJ is a hinging and gliding joint which permits movement in 3 planes - The surfaces which make up this joint include: head of the mandible, articular tubercle of the temporal bone, and the mandibular fossa - An articular disc divides this joint cavity Muscles involved with the TMJ during mastication (chewing ): -Temporal, masseter, lateral pterygoid, and the medial pterygoid Movements at the temporomandibular joint: - Elevation (close mouth), depression (open mouth), protrusion (protrude chin), retrusion (retrude chin), lateral movements ( grinding and chewing) Problems that can occur at TMJ: - The most common problem associated with the TMJ is called temporomandiublar dysfunction (TMD). Some issues relating to this may include clenching, malocclusion (problem occurring with your bite), muscle imbalances of the jaw, cervical (neck) problems, bad posture, and headaches. - Less common issues arise from trauma to the joint. A sideways blow to the chin when the mouth is open dislocates the TMJ on the side receiving the blow. Fractures of the mandible may also be accompanied by dislocation of the TMJ. This can lead to laxity and instability of the TMJ.
- The “popping” or “clicking” noise: some people experience a pop or click when they chew or yawn and automatically think or are told that they have dysfunction in the joint or problems with the TMJ. - There also may be no pain associated with this noise. Actually some “popping” or “clicking” can be normal and there may be no dysfunction present. If there is pain associated with this, it is important to get examined by a physician. - Some people with chronic headaches or neck pain also might have dysfunction of the TMJ and not even know it. Temporomandibular Dysfunction “TMD”: - Clenching and grinding of the teeth are a big player in TMD. Some people do not even realize if they are clenching their jaw throughout the day or even grinding their teeth at night. - This causes a great strain on the joint and the muscles surrounding it. The muscles around the joint can become hypertonic or overactive creating strain on the joint. In turn, some other important muscles of jaw function become inhibited or shut off. This can lead to dysfunction in the joint itself, neck problems, teeth pain, and headaches. - People suffering from malocclusion (problem with their “bite”), may need co-treatment with a dentist to fully correct the issue. - People who want TMJ pain relief may have an issue with the disc within the joint or just muscle imbalances that are causing strain on the joint. - Other things that will affect the TMJ are restrictions in the neck and spine as well. |
