The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located just in front of the ears on each side of your face, where the jaw meets the skull. The joints are connected by the mandible or chin and act together to perform vital functions such as chewing and talking. The joint is supported by a number of muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and an intra-joint disk that allows the joint to move and adapt to a variety of motions. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are issues that develop from the jaw joint and muscles that control the motions of opening and closing the mouth.
3 habits you didn’t know contribute to jaw pain
- Excessive gum chewing: purposeless chewing of edible and non-edible items can cause the muscles of your face to become very tense leading to increased pain and even decreased ROM
- Sleeping on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach requires you to turn your head to breathe. With this position, the neck and jaw are rotated and shifted to one side which can contribute to imbalances of the jaw.
- Consuming caffeine: Caffeinated beverages wake you up but they also can excite the muscles of your jaw and face as well causing unnecessary clenching of your teeth.
How do I know I have a problem with my TMJ?
Generally speaking, pain or discomfort is the first indicator of an issue. More than likely a person who is experiencing issues with their TMJ has experienced any number of the following symptoms: clicking or popping, loss of motion, pain with chewing, biting, or yawning. You may have even noticed increased discomfort with dental procedures and at appointments. You have probably have been recommended a nightguard or noticed an increase in the frequency of biting the inside of your cheek. Due to the very close proximity of your jaw and the spine often people with jaw pain experience an increase in headaches as well. Patients diagnosed with TMD are often given the prognosis of living with their issue or guided down a path of surgical interventions; however, treatment from a trained physical therapist can provide relief of the symptoms ailing you on a day to day basis.
Contact ProFlex Physical Therapy for a consultation to decide if PT is right for you.
