FIND JAW PAIN Therapy WITH TMJ Treatment AT OUR SURREY REHAB CLINIC
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull’s temporal bones in front of the ears. This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side. When this joint or the muscles around it are damaged, it can affect how you talk and chew. When there are issues with your TMJ, it’s often referred to as TMD or temporomandibular disorder, but at times, it is simply just called TMJ. At Surrey Sports Physio, we offer TMJ treatment for jaw pain in Surrey. Some of our other services include physiotherapy and hand therapy. To learn more about the TMJ disorders, check out our blog page.
Causes of TMJ
Several things, including injury to the teeth or jaw, can cause TMJ. If your jaw or teeth are misaligned or if you grind your teeth, you may also have TMJ. Other causes may include stress, arthritis, bad posture, and gum chewing.
Symptoms of TMJ
When it comes to TMJ, there are a few symptoms to look out for in addition to jaw pain. Headaches, ear pain or popping sounds in your ears, pain in your temple, jaw clicking or popping, and a locked jaw joint are some possible signs of TMJ.
Causes Of TMJ Pain
When jaw muscles are irritated, jaw movement is disrupted, causing discomfort, muscle tenderness and issues opening the jaw.
Furthermore, teeth grinding due to psychological stress causes muscle pain and tightness around the jaw area. Excessive jaw clenching or forceful biting might also strain TMJ and cause pain.
Possible Treatments for TMJ
Depending on the severity of your TMJ, you have a variety of treatments to choose from. Home treatments like ice packs, jaw and neck massages, stress reduction, or over-the-counter drugs may help relieve jaw pain. When home treatments don’t work, TMJ can be treated with dental splints, Botox injections, or physical therapy. At Grant Gibson’s Surrey Sports Physio, we focus on the latter through physiotherapy. Please contact us for more information on TMJ and jaw pain treatment.
Effective Home Remedies for TMJ Pain Relief
TMJ aches can be painful, but several home-based remedies may help ease your misery. These include:
Daytime posture: Hunching or slouching accounts for poor posture. These can misalign your body, affecting your jaw and neck. When your neck bends forward and your head dips down, it can stress your TMJ. Researchers have indeed found a connection between posture and TMJ disorders. To address this, focus on sitting up straight, especially if you have a desk job or spend long hours sitting.
Pick soft foods: Soft meals like mashed potatoes and apple sauce can ease jaw soreness and stiffness. Avoid hard-to-chew foods (e.g., raw radish) or sticky/chewy foods, as they can worsen symptoms.
Sleeping position: Sleeping on your back is ideal for maintaining natural head, neck, and jaw alignment. This position reduces strain on the TMJ. However, if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleeping on your back may not be the best choice. OSA can cause your jaw to fall back, narrowing your airway and potentially worsening snoring.
Cold and moist heat therapy: Apply cold packs to numb acute pain and reduce inflammation. Use warm, moist compresses for chronic pain at least four times daily.
Jaw exercises: Stretching and facial exercises can help relieve TMJ signs. Consult your therapist or doctor for guidance on suitable techniques.
Wear a bite guard: Bite guards (stability splints) prevent teeth grinding or clenching. Select between soft and firm bite guards, and refer to your healthcare provider for proper guidance.
Massage therapy or acupuncture: Massaging the TMJ joint at regular intervals in the day can help relax jaw muscles and provide comfort. Acupuncture can also treat TMJ pain by targeting exact points around the jaw.
Address anxiety and stress: Stress and anxiety can worsen TMJ discomfort. Practicing relaxation techniques or seeking expert help can be helpful.
General dental care: Regular dental and gum maintenance is crucial for managing TMJ issues and preventing dental disease and other complications.
Preventing TMJ Problems and Tips for Maintaining Jaw Health
Here are a few tips to avoid TMJ problems and maintain good jaw health:
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Brush and floss regularly to prevent dental issues that can affect your jaw.
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Give your jaw muscles rest during meals. Avoid excessive chewing or clenching.
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If you grind your teeth at night, consider using a mouthguard to protect your TMJ.
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Stress contributes to TMJ issues. Try meditation or deep breathing techniques.
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Address dental problems promptly to maintain balanced jaw function.
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Chewing gum can strain your jaw. Limit its use.
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Dehydration affects joint health. Drink plenty of water.
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Yawning widely or opening your mouth too wide can stress the TMJ.
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Sleeping on your side can strain your jaw. Opt for back sleeping.
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Be mindful of teeth clenching during the day.
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Apply warm compresses to soothe jaw discomfort.
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Use cold packs if you experience jaw swelling.
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Gently massage the jaw area to relieve tension.
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Prevent overusing of jaw muscles, which can lead to TMJ issues
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Proper nutrition supports overall health, including your jaw.
If you experience persistent TMJ symptoms, please seek our professional advice for proper TMJ treatment in Surrey.
How Can We Help?
Our treatment incorporates the following:
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First, we examine your posture and palpitation of TMJ to assess swelling and stiffness.
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Next, we offer ways to restore TMJ mechanics through exercises or manual therapy.
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Our therapists suggest correcting habitual posture, tongue position and breathing to overcome TMJ pain.
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We use laser, Ultrasound and IFC to control the pain and inflammation caused by TMJ.
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We also explain the causes and symptoms of TMJ to increase your awareness.
We strongly suggest not neglecting the symptoms of TMJ and consulting our therapists immediately. If left untreated, TMJ can result in joint arthritis or might cause your jaw to lock.