TMJ Pain Relief

Do you have a hard time chewing or yawning? Do you feel pain in your jaw? When you open or close your mouth, do you hear a click? If so, you may have a TMJ, or “temporomandibular joint dysfunction.”

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ is a disorder that induces pain and stiffness in the jaw joint and its associated muscles. TMJ dysfunction may occur if the joint is injured in some way. 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure consisting of bones, tendons, and muscles that can cause pain on one or both sides of your jaw. This can make opening your mouth, talking, yawning, and chewing difficult. 

If you’re tired of coping with the discomfort of TMJ, physiotherapy will help. Our innovative care strategies at Central Physiotherapy will help you find quick relief. Click here to book an appointment. 

Home remedies can be used to treat TMJ dysfunction in some cases. Some people respond well to medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. Ice packs applied directly to the jaw joint can also help relieve pain. Essential oils with sedative properties, such as clary sage or lavender, can also provide temporary relief. 

When home remedies fail to provide long-term relief, medical intervention may be required. Stronger muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed in many cases.

Dental splints can also be used by your dentist to ensure proper tooth alignment and prevent dental grinding. Other medical treatments include trigger-point acupuncture, joint replacement, and TMJ arthroscopy. 

If you choose to avoid pain relievers and use a more natural approach, physiotherapy is possibly one of the most effective treatments for TMJ pain/disorder. 

At your first appointment with Central Physiotherapy, a thorough examination of your neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine will be performed to determine whether those structures are causing your symptoms.

Then, depending on the complexity of your symptoms and your unique needs, one of our dedicated physiotherapists will build a care plan for you. 

Our physiotherapist will examine jaw mobility and relieve muscle tension in the neck and head regions. Your treatment plan will focus on regaining your normal function and the interaction of your jaw muscles and joints. Your recovery plan may include a variety of procedures and modalities, such as jaw exercises, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound.

There are several reasons why TMJ dysfunction may develop, but misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding, or jaw injury are the most common causes.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? If so, contacting a physiotherapist at Central Physiotherapy is a good idea for pain relief.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder include: 
- Jaw pain
- Pain when eating or chewing
- Jaw popping
- Headaches
- Sore jaw muscles
- Lockjaw
- Pain in the temples
- Earaches

There is no exact way to diagnose TMJ dysfunction, but our Physiotherapists at Central Physiotherapy & Massage will examine your medical history and conduct tests if you think you might be dealing with this disorder. 

Your physiotherapist may also refer you to an otolaryngologist or dentist specializing in jaw disorders. Before diagnosing TMJ pain, any other medical conditions should be ruled out, as symptoms may also be related to conditions known as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disease, or even swollen lymph nodes. You will be treated based on the severity of your symptoms until your condition has been determined.