Treat Your Jaw Pain

What is TMJ Pain?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or the jaw is the joint on the side of your face that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is damaged or injured, it can lead to a disorder called temporomandibular joint syndrome or temporomandibular disorder or dysfunction (TMD). 

Pain in your jaw or temporomandibular joint can be caused by many things, including teeth grinding or misalignment, arthritis, stress, trauma, neck problems and poor posture. 

Symptoms of TMJ include: 

• Pain in the jaw or cheek 
• Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw 
• Ear pain or earache 
• Headache 
• Pain with chewing or opening the mouth 

Who Have You Seen For Your Jaw Pain?

If you have seen a doctor or dentist for your jaw pain, they possibly gave you pain killers, muscle relaxers or a night splint.  The medications might dull your pain temporarily and the night splint should prevent you from grinding your teeth while you are asleep, but if you have a treatable jaw problem, none of these options address what’s causing your problem.  If you have tight muscles or joints in the face or jaw causing your problem, these can be addressed and improved.

Physical Therapy for Your Jaw Pain

Physical therapy is a great treatment option for TMJ disorder.  Treatment includes exercises and manual physical therapy, which consists of hands on techniques of dry needling, massage or soft tissue and joint mobilization to improve joint motion and reduce muscle stiffness and trigger points around the jaw to alleviate stress on the disk and joint. 

If you are having jaw pain, call today to have your questions answered.  If you are unsure if physical therapy is the best choice for you, I am happy to schedule a phone or in person consult with you to see if physical therapy is the right answer for you.  303-900-2282.