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Most of my clients that come for jaw problems had them occur after a trip to the dentist.  Often times holding your mouth open for long periods of time can cause the muscles to cramp.  It can also be caused by the change of bite in your mouth – upsetting the balance and causing pain and/or cramping to the muscles in the jaw.  Jaw dysfunctions can also cause headaches.  Noisy clicking is only pathological if associated with other symptoms such as pain.

 

Other reasons for jaw pain:

Whiplash

Bruxism (grinding of teeth during sleep)

Chewing gum excessively

Chewing on cigars etc.

Treatment for jaw dysfunctions depends on the cause.  Often some massage of the jaw muscles along with isometric exercises can have the client back to normal within a couple of treatments.

What is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint or jaw joint in the most unique joint in the entire body. It is actually two joints in one. Since we have two jaw joints, one on each side of the head, which are joined together by the lower jaw, it is truly a double-double joint. The two temporomandibular joints can differ in size, shape and even in function.

The temporomandibular joints are joints located on either side of the face that connect the lower jaw to the skull. The joints work in synergy with the facial bones and multiple pairs of muscles to allow opening and closing of the mouth and the forward, backward, rotational, and side-to-side movements of the lower jaw. Any disturbance of the perfect facial balance can trigger the cycle characteristic of TMJ disorders, which affect muscles and joints on all areas of the Face, neck, and back. When muscles and joints are not working together correctly, muscle spasm can result which produces pain and dysfunction.

What is TMJ dysfunction?

For reasons that vary from patient to patient, one or both temporomandibular joints may fail to move properly. This relatively common disorder is termed TMJ dysfunction.

TMJ CLICKING….is the most common symptom of a TMJ disorder. This clicking sound may be so loud that others can hear it while you chew. There may or may not be pain in the joint itself with the sound of a click or pop. But, one thing is for sure; if there is a displaced disc, as is usually the case when a click occurs, then the muscles that move the jaw while chewing are more tense than normal. This tenseness can and does cause muscle, facial, head and neck pain.

TMJ LOCKING….may be noticed simply by the catching of the lower jaw as it opens. Sometimes, the person with a locked joint must move the jaw to one side or another in order to open wide. Or, a person might have to open until he hears and feels a loud pop, at which point, the jaw actually unlocks.

What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?

Each affected individual may experience one or different combinations of these common symptoms:

• Pain of varying intensity around one or both ears, in the temples or in the neck.
• Popping or grating sensations in the joint during movement.
• Restrictions of normal opening and jaw movements.
• Severe or recurring headaches
• Inability to close the teeth together without pain, dislocation of the jaw, or locking of the jaw.
• Occasional hearing loss or pain in the ears.
• Dizziness and ringing ears.

Who is affected by TMJ dysfunction?

Anyone at any age can be afflicted with TMJ dysfunctions, but the condition seems more likely to occur as a person ages. It appears to be more common in women than men. Individuals suffering from all forms of arthritis are also more likely to exhibit TMJ symptoms.

What causes TMJ dysfunction?

Research has shown that many factors may lead to the problem. TMJ dysfunction can occur by itself or be a part of a more complex problem. We believe that there is usually more than one factor responsible for TMJ dysfunction. Some of the causes may be:

• Trauma, such as an automobile accident.
• Improper occlusion (bite).
• sychological factors, including stress.
• Nervous habits.
• Clenching and grinding of the teeth.
• Neuromuscular imbalances.
• Inflammation of the joint.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis (degenerative).