TMJ Disorder

Is chewing or yawning difficult for you? Does it pain or click in jaw while yawning or chewing? Are you experiencing unexplained pain in neck, headache, and stiffness in ears? These are all signs of TMJ disorder which is also known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

What is the TM joint (TMJ)?

TMJ is located in the front of the ears on each side of the face where your jaw meets the skull. This joint is supported by several muscles, cartilage, ligament, and intra-joint disk which allow the joints to move and adapt to variety of motions. The jaw pain and clicking can come from any one of the structures but usually, the pain comes from the muscles around the joint or abnormal stress. This disorder is known as TMD.

Common Causes of TMD

There can be many causes of TMD and one of the most common reasons can be trauma, fracture, or blow to the chin or jaw. Repetitive grinding known as bruxism and clenching of jaw during sleep are also common causes of TMD says dentist near Bayside, NY 11361. Habitual gum chewing and nail biting are also causes of jaw pain. Many dental issues associated with malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth can lead to wear and tear of the joint. High stress and anxiety can also be a cause of TMD.

Physical Therapy is great treatment option for TMJ

Surgery is not the only option for TMJ and a qualified physical therapist can also help. The muscles and joint remobilization techniques can significantly decrease the symptoms related to TMD and also eliminate the headaches related to disorder.

Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN)

The TDN is a treatment offered by the physical therapist where they target specific muscles in the jaw that contract and cause the jaw to misalign and cause headache. The therapy will release the muscle spasm and the jaw will return to a relaxed state.

Headaches and TMJ

Approximately 44% of patients with Cervicogenic headache have TMD. Several studies show that manual therapy techniques directed towards the jaw show decrease in headache and increase in the neck function after the treatment.