Description
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can involve one or both joints of the jaw. The jaw joint is designed to rotate for the initial part of mouth opening and then glide forward to achieve a larger mouth opening such as when taking a larger bite or yawning. Typically the mechanics of the glide forward is abnormal due to problems with the tissues of the joint. This causes the “pop” or “click” in the joint usually associated with this condition.
Symptoms
TMJ dysfunction is typically characterized by one of more of the following signs/symptoms: “popping” or “clicking” in the joint with chewing and/or yawning, pain with chewing, clenching or grinding of the teeth (particularly at night), jaw soreness in the morning, neck pain and headaches.
What you can expect from therapy
The initial evaluation will involve specific testing of both the jaw and neck since these areas work in concert with each other. Specific movement tests and palpation tests are done to identify which joints, muscles, and other tissues are the most likely contributing to your condition and can be treated to help reduce your symptoms.
Please refer to the Center for Pain Resolution in the Services/Specialties section for a complete listing of the treatments provided for the four categories of problems treated: 1) Connective Tissue Restrictions, 2) Muscle Dysfunctions, 3)Joint Restrictions, and 4) Muscle Imbalances.