Do you suffer from clicking or locking in your jaw? You may have temporomandibular joint syndrome also known as TMJ syndrome.
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to the sides of your skull. When you injure this joint it can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome which feels like a localised pain or ache in the sides of your jaw muscles. This can be painful and uncomfortable when you are chewing or eating.
TMJ Pain and Dysfunction can occur from the following:
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaw.
- Incorrect posture.
- Stress.
- Arthritis.
- Bruxism (excessively teeth grinding or clenching your teeth)
- Clenching your jaw muscles.
- Degeneration or irritation of the disc that articulates the TM joint.
- Hyper/Hypomobile TMJ (excessive or limited movement).
Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome can include:
- Pain or tenderness in the muscles of the jaw. You usually feel the joint
Clicking, popping or grinding when you open or close your mouth. - You might feel that you have a ‘locked’ and ‘clicking’ jaw.
- Aching pain or sensation in and around your ears or an earache.
Things you can do for yourself if you suffer from TMJD include:
- Take smaller bites of food when you’re eating.
- Eating softer foods.
- Avoid chewing gum and eating hard or chewy foods.
- Avoid opening your mouth wide.
- Try reducing stress.
- Self-massage and stretching of the jaw muscles (Your Remedial massage therapist can show you).
The good news is that it can be treated easily with soft tissue manipulation such as trigger point therapy, Dry needling therapy and stretching techniques. If you suffer from temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ Syndrome) don’t put up with the pain, you can contact us at Phillip Island Massage Therapy for a specific assessment and we will discuss a treatment program that is best for you.