Jeff was the chiropractor who worked on my TMJ (jaw) problem. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and most importantly, he solved the problem.
- Kovalum C.
JAW PAIN CAN BE LIMITING – FIND RELIEF WITH PT
DON’T LET TMJ LIMIT YOUR LIFE
There is a possibility that you may have TMJ dysfunction if you have problems with your jaw. 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 connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ is a condition that causes the joint of the jaw and its associated muscles to become painful and stiff. TMJ dysfunction can develop if the joint is damaged in some way.
The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure made up of bones, tendons, and muscles that can make you feel discomfort on one or both sides of your jaw. This can make it very difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, and chew.
How can Chiropractic & physiotherapy help me find relief?
In some cases, home remedies may be used to treat TMJ dysfunction. Some people respond well to drugs, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin. Applying ice packs directly to the jaw joint can also help to relieve pain. Sedative essential oils, such as clary sage or lavender may also help you find temporary relief.
Medical intervention may be required when home remedies have not been successful in providing long-term relief. In many cases, stronger muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.
In order to maintain proper alignment of teeth and avoid dental grinding, dental splints may also be used by the jaw specialist. Trigger-point acupuncture, joint replacement, or TMJ arthroscopy are other forms of medical treatment.
Chiropractic and Physiotherapy is probably one of the most common interventions for TMJ disorder if you choose to stop taking pain-relieving drugs and use a more holistic approach.
At your initial appointment with PhysioPlus Health Group, a comprehensive assessment will be done on your neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms.
Then one of our dedicated physiotherapists and chiropractors will develop a treatment plan based on the nature of your symptoms and your specific needs.
Our physiotherapists and chiropractors will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas around your neck and head. The goal of our Bloor West Village and Kingsway physiotherapy treatments is to restore your normal function and the interaction of the muscles and joints of the jaw.
Your treatment plan may consist of any combination of methods and modalities, including 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.
There is no exact way to diagnose TMJ dysfunction, but our Bloor West Village and Kingsway physiotherapists and chiropractors will examine your medical history and conduct tests if you think you might be suffering from this disorder.
You may also be referred to an otolaryngologist or dentist specializing in jaw disorders by your doctor.
Before diagnosing TMJ, 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 on the basis of the severity of your symptoms until your condition has been determined.
Choosing the right physiotherapist can be a big decision. We’re dedicated to answering any questions you have to help you make the best choice. Contact us today and ask us anything!
