What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The jaw! is a synovial joint (Therefore can become inflamed) it has 3 supporting ligaments, a fibrocartilage disc (meniscus), joint space filled with synovial fluid and many muscles which control movement
Movements of the Temporomandibular joint
Movements:
Depression (opening)
Elevation (closing)
Protrustion (Jaw coming forwards)
Retraction (jaw coming back to rest)
Small amount of lateral movement
Symptoms of Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)
Pain around the jaw or referred into the ear, behind the eye or into the head (headache)
Ringing in the ear or dizziness
Referred pain into the neck
Clicking or locking of the jaw and limitation in movement
Causes of Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Teeth grinding or clenching – puts increased wear on the cartilage (disc). There should always be several millimeters between back molars when jaw is at rest
Habitual chewing, only chewing on one side or nail biting
Postural habits
Trauma to the facial bones
Stress and tension
Dental problems (E.g. braces may have caused gradual trauma)
Temporomandibular joint and the Cervical Spine
Closely linked, C1 is located just behind the disc of the jaw
Suboccipital tension (Tension in the back of the head) and Temporomandibular pain are often seen together
Headaches from the suboccipital region can refer into the jaw and vice versa
Treatment of the Temporomandibular Joint
Treatment of the cervical spine may be required
Adjustments to posture
Soft tissue releases of the jaw muscles
Habitual changes
Jaw warnings:
Chew on both sides
Avoid chewing too hard or very chewy foods
Relax the jaw to avoid clenching when stressed
Avoid lying on your side to sleep (the side you lay on will be tighter)
Consider a night splint if you grind your teeth
Self release techniques (As taught by your physiotherapist)
Written by Ashley Holliday
Physiotherapist