Do you suffer from TMJ pains?

Do you feel......?

• Discomfort or pain in the jaw
• Your mouth doesn't open all the way
• Your mouth doesn't open smoothly or straight
• Unable to find your 'bite'
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Grating sounds or feelings while moving your mouth
• Your jaw locks opened or closed
• Pain in the cheek muscles
• Headaches
• Neck pain or stiffness

It could be TMJ disorder!


The TMJ is made of three parts

1. the joint between the skull and the jaw bone (includes a disk)
2. the muscles used to chew and talk
3. the teeth

It can become painful from

• a direct blow (fall, hit, car accident)
• teeth clenching or grinding
• gum chewing
• stress
  
• sleeping position
• arthritis
• poor teeth alignment

What should you do?

1. See your dentist to rule out dental causes, or to advise you on treatment options
2. See your doctor to rule out medical causes
3. See a TMJ specialist or a physiotherapist

Physiotherapy for TMJ pain

• accurate diagnosis (including assessment for referred pain)
• hands on and electrotherapeutic techniques for pain relief (massage, mobilization, trigger points)
• anti-inflammatory techniques (without medication)
• self-care techniques and specific home exercises
• postural correction and positions of comfort
• education and questions answered