• Written by William F. Neckman, LMT, NMT

The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. Those who have suffered any type of damage or injury to the joint could find that it leads to pain in the area. This localized pain is called TMJD, and it can cause quite a few issues. The Rio Vista Wellness Center understands the pain that this can cause and can offer treatment options using neuromuscular therapy. First, though, it is important to understand more about what the condition is and the other types of treatments that people may get.

What Are the Causes of TMJD?

The actual cause of the disorder is not known, but many dentists feel that the symptoms come about because of issues within the jaw or the muscles of the jaw. Some of the things that could lead to TMJD include having an injury to the muscles in the neck or the head, such as whiplash. Some of the other causes include grinding and clenching of the teeth. Arthritis in the joint or movement of the disc in the joint could cause problems for some. In addition, stress can cause people to tighten the muscles in their face and jaw, and this could be an element that causes TMJD.

The Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Most of the time, this condition will cause severe pain. The pain could be temporary, or it could last for many years. Patients might find that it affects just one side of their face, or they might find that it will affect both sides of their face instead.

One of the most common symptoms is having pain or tenderness in the face. This will often start at the area around the jaw, but it can go much further. Some will also experience pain in their neck and shoulders. Many will also experience the sound of popping and clicking in their jaw when they chew or talk.

Patients may also suffer from earaches and a popping sound in their ears. Some will also have headaches. In some cases, the jaws could become stuck temporarily in the open or closed position. TMJD can also lead to having a tired feeling in the face, or trouble chewing and an uncomfortable bite. It could sometimes feel as though the upper teeth and the lower teeth do not fit together well.

People could also notice swelling on the side of the face, issues with hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness and toothaches when they are suffering from TMJD. As you can see, this can be a very problematic disorder, and it is not something you will want to ignore.

Treatment Options

When the home treatments, such as resting the jaw and using heat or cold packs on the jaw do not work, you need to move on to other options. In some cases, this could include a night guard for the mouth, or dental work. You might find that another option could work even better for you though. Consider using neuromuscular therapy treatments instead. The therapist can utilize this form of treatment and can provide results that you can feel within a couple of sessions; many people feel relief very quickly.

People prefer this option to overmedicating or to having dental procedures. It is a treatment that is certainly worth trying, as it can provide you with the sweet relief you need from your jaw pain.