Can Physical Therapy Help My Jaw Pain?
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the prevalence of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) is between 5% and 12%. Unusual for chronic pain conditions, the prevalence rates of TMJ disorders are higher among younger persons. This pain can lead to missed workdays and frequent trips to your primary care provider or dentist. This article will discuss why physical therapy may be what you need to assist in getting rid of that pain and getting back to enjoying life.
Dry Needling For Jaw Pain And TMD
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint where your jaw attaches to the temple of the skull. It is a joint that allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. This joint is essential for guiding movements required for chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are conditions associated with dysfunction of the joint as well as the associated muscles.
The cause of TMD is still widely unknown. However, the majority of patients with TMD suffer from malpositioning of the TMJ disc, and muscle tightness in the jaw, face, and neck. TMD can present differently in every individual, so a clinical examination is recommended to customize a plan of care. One option for treating TMD is dry needling.
TMJ Pain? Try Rocabado’s 6×6 Exercise Routine
Do you experience a popping, clicking, or locking of your jaw? Are you having issues with jaw pain that makes it difficult to eat, chew, and talk? Do you have this in combination with headaches at times? All of the symptoms above can be signs that something may be going on with your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ).
It is not uncommon for someone with these symptoms to have issues not only at the jaw but also with some of their posture muscles leading to increased strain or pressure on the jaw. Now that you have a better understanding of how these symptoms relate to what you are experiencing, what can you do about it?
Why Does My Jaw Feel Tight?
Do you wake up in the morning with a tightness in your jaw? Is it hard to open your mouth to yawn or brush your teeth right away? Or maybe you feel some tightness after eating. If this is familiar to you, you may be one of the 5-12% of the population that suffers from TMD. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder. It is a general term that describes several conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or associated muscles. These disorders can affect anyone but tend to affect people between 20-40 years old and women more commonly than men. TMD starts as an acute episode, but many people go on to develop chronic symptoms.
Does Your Face Hurt?
Do you experience face or jaw pain, tightness, or restricted mouth opening? How about noises such as popping or clicking when opening or closing your mouth? Maybe you experience ear pain, dizziness, or headaches? These may be symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Temporomandibular disorders are a group of disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or chewing muscles. These disorders are more common than you may think, affecting 5-12% of the population. In fact, TMD is second only to low back pain when it comes to musculoskeletal conditions resulting in pain and disability. Despite the number of people with TMD, only 50-66% seek treatment.
Tips for Relieving Jaw Pain
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain is common across all age groups and occupations. Whether you work at a computer, play contact sports, or are a world-renowned opera singer, the TMJ can be the source of much frustration. We use our jaw constantly throughout the day while talking, chewing, or trying to prop our head up on a Zoom call. Good jaw mechanics are essential.
4 Things to Know About Jaw Pain
Are you having pain or clicking in your jaw while yawning or laughing? Does it cause you prolonged pain to chew delicious foods such as a steak, apple, or bagel? Did your dentist offer you a retainer or splint because you grind, clench or have worn your teeth? Answering yes to these questions may indicate that you have a dysfunction going on in or around your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or more simply, issues related to opening and closing your jaw.
TMD: Differences in Women vs. Men
The comparison between women and men is a common one, and the medical world is no exception. Many dysfunctions and diseases are statistically greater in one gender over the other, including Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD).
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