Autumn Years Spring 2023

HEALTH & WELFARE

Treatment Options for Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders By Michael DelloRusso, PT, MSPT

T he temporomandibular joint (TMJ) enables jaw movement and the ability to open and close your mouth. Experiencing pain or discomfort in your jaw or near the ears could mean you have a TMJ disorder. If you do, knowing the symptoms of the condition and identifying the causes is the first step to finding relief, and physical therapy can help. Keep in mind that some people with jaw pain are suffering from a condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD. TMD is a broader term than TMJ that refers to a variety of problems relating to the jaw. Although incorrect, many people often use these terms interchangeably. Many patients with facial pain come from the dentist; an ear, nose and throat specialist; or another doctor who has ruled out any dental or neurological problems. With these problems ruled out, a treatment plan can then focus on the musculoskeletal structures.

TMJ treatment with a physical therapist Physical therapy is a very common treat ment for TMJ and TMD. Physical thera pists take a comprehensive approach to assess the problem and develop a treatment plan to decrease pain, assist in pain-free jaw opening, restore mobility in the joint and educate the patient on ways in which to maintain healthy function. Treatment includes: • Manual therapy: various techniques are used for muscles that are tight, stiff or sensitive • Therapeutic exercises: allows patient to practice proper jaw alignment and postural awareness while exercis ing, i.e., lat pull-downs, rows, shoulder extensions

Common causes of TMJ disorder • Muscular overuse: the most com mon cause of TMJ. Overuse or jaw muscles that are in constant contraction including but not limited to clenching teeth, grinding teeth at night or chewing gum. • Poor posture: misaligned spine may cause the lower jaw to rest incorrectly and create a bad bite. • Trauma: the joint is damaged by a blow or other impact. • Dental procedure/oral surgery: a dental procedure with an open mouth for an extended period of time can cause pain. • Stress/anxiety: stress can cause you to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth. • Behavior patterns: repetitive be havior including chewing gum, biting

lip, biting inside of cheek, biting nails, chewing on a pen, biting water bottle, playing musical instrument (trumpet, oboe, violin), clenching, leaning on chin, using laptop computer in bed and poor ergonomics has a big influence on how the jaw functions. Symptoms of TMJ disorder Signs and symptoms of TMJ may include: • Jaw pain • Neck or shoulder pain • Pain when you chew, talk or yawn • Popping or clicking sound when you open your mouth or chew • Grinding in the joint, also called crepitus • Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open and close your mouth • Pain in and around the ear or ring ing in the ear • Deviation or deflection of the jaw when the jaw goes to one side

16 AUTUMN YEARS I SPRING 2023