How do I know if I have TMJ? TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint and each joint is located just in
front of your ear. It is one of the most complex joints in the body.
You can feel your TM joint when you open and close your mouth. Both of your TMJs must work together, allowing you speak and
chew comfortably. If a structure in this complex system becomes problematic, the disorder of the jaw is referred to as
temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Due in part to the complexity of the joint and associated structures, TMD is a common ailment
affecting more than 35 million people in the United States.
TMD is often overlooked by health care professionals due to the wide variety of symptoms. It is important to have a thorough
history of the symptoms and clinical examination to determine the cause of your headaches, ear ringing, jaw, face, and neck
symptoms. It should focus on the quality of movement of the spine and jaw, muscle tone and imbalances, a thorough neurologic
exam, and posture assessment.
ActivePT's jaw rehabilitation program applies hands-on treatment techniques to the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles, tissues, and
joints to increase rate of recovery. Our treatments include relaxation and stretching of overactive muscles or tissues and
mobilization of blocked joints. These treatments loosen and strengthen muscles. In most cases, conservative treatments are
successful. Many times, an interdisciplinary approach is used, in which the specialized physical therapist, dentist, and doctor
work together to facilitate an atmosphere for pain relief in the shortest amount of time.
Be wary of treatments that don't provide noticeable pain relief in one to two visits. Although this is a difficult condition to treat,
it's not impossible. You should feel relief and see improvements each visit.
Specialized physical therapy is often able to provide dramatic relief from
overwhelming pain after only a few visits using conservative treatments and patient counsel.
Symptoms may include:
- Jaw pain or cheek pain
- Popping/snapping in the jaw
- Ear pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Jaw locking (open or closed)
- Ear "fullness" or ringing in the ears
- Headaches
