Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is considered a musculoskeletal disorder and creates symptoms such as pain, joint noise, limited range of motion (ROM) and muscle spasms.
People with TMJ disorders (TMD) may experience a number of symptoms including:
- Jaw or jaw muscle tenderness
- Jaw stiffness, especially in the morning
- Jaw pain when eating or yawning
- Earache
- Facial pain
- Trouble opening and closing the mouth
- Inflammation around the joint
- Distinct clicking or popping noises when opening and closing the mouth
- Headaches
- Neckaches
- Toothaches or sensitive teeth with no other apparent causes
- Restricted joint movement or locking of the jaw
Osteopathic treatment can be very effective in relieving TMJ pain as it helps to restore function and reduce pain.
To help relieve TMJ, an osteopath will use:
-Craniosacral therapy
-Mobilizations
-Posture correction
-Soft-tissue techniques to loosen and release muscles that connect the jaw to the skull
-Treat any movement restrictions of the jaw so that it functions normally
-Correct poor neck and upper back posture that may be leading to jaw discomfort