17 May Tempomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
Do you have frequent headaches, jaw or neck pain? Does your jaw pop, click or lock while eating or talking? Do you experience earaches or ringing in the ears? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have tempomandibular joint dysfunction or TMD.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects the jaw bone to the skull. Dysfunction in the joint can be caused by a variety of reasons including trauma, poor postural awareness, clenching your jaw, degenerative changes, and parafunctional habits including nail biting or lip biting.
There are various treatment options that can decrease your pain and improve your function. Research has shown that physical therapy can effectively help manage your symptoms. After a thorough, individualized evaluation of your jaw and neck, a physical therapist will be able to determine the treatment pathway that fits your specific dysfunction.
At Body One Physical Therapy, we emphasize education as the first step to management. Simply changing poor daily habits can help with the pain you experience. Additionally, we will explore posture correction, mobilization of the TMJ, muscle relaxation techniques, and overall joint strength and flexibility.
Dr. Punam Hills and Dr. Chelsea Savage are currently seeing patients with TMD at our South Emerson and North Meridian locations. Call to schedule your appointment today! A physician or dentist referral is not necessary and treatment is often covered under your health insurance plan. Contact Body One Physical Therapy to learn more about effective treatment techniques for your headaches, jaw and neck pain.
