Treatment and Solutions

TMJ

What is The Temporomandibular Joint?

The temporomandibular joint or the jaw is the only bilateral hinged joint in the body. It connects the lower jaw, your mandible, to the temporal bone at the side of your head. When working well, this joint allows people to talk, chew and yawn without any discomfort or pain.

What Are Temporomandibular Disorders?

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a department of the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that the three main categories that cause TMJ are:

Myofascial Pain - Discomfort in the muscles and connective tissues that contribute to the movement of the jaw.
Internal derangement of the joint - Displacement of the bony prominences, condyles or discs that connect to the jaw together.
Arthritis or any other Inflammatory Joint Disorder.

The NIH also states that most people have more than one of these issues at the same time.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Radiating pain into the face, jaw or neck
Jaw muscle stiffness
Limited movement or locking of the jaw
Painful clicking or popping
A change in how the jaw and teeth fit together

Myofascial Release and TMJ

Myofascial Release therapists work both outside the jaw and directly in the mouth to release tense muscles and connective tissue contributing to the painful symptoms. These releases help to elongate the muscle and connective tissues within the mouth so that the jaw can return to it's proper alignment.

Neck and shoulder tightness and dysfunction also affects the way the jaw connects to the head. Myofascial Release therapists align the whole body which helps the jaw to attach the head in a more symmetrical position. By correcting the internal derangement and giving the connective tissue a chance to relax, this helps to relieve many of the symptoms listed above.

To learn more about how Myofascial Release can have a profound effect on the symptoms of TMJ, please visit us at Myofascial Release or the Benefits of Myofascial Release.