Have you ever noticed that you experience pain in the jaw or hear clicking sounds in the jaw, accompanied by headaches and/or neck pain? If so, you could be experiencing something known as TMJ Dysfunction.

So, what is TMJ dysfunction then? TMJ dysfunction is a broad term used to describe a condition of the jaw, specifically its joint. It is a common condition that presents itself to our osteopaths and is twice as likely to occur in women than in men. 

The jaw is responsible for allowing us to eat and speak. During these activities, the jaw needs to be able to move up and down so we can open and close our mouths, but it also needs to be able to move side to side and up and down. If you are experiencing TMJ dysfunction, it may make it difficult for you to complete these movements smoothly and efficiently. To help the jaw move smoothly, we have three main muscles to assist us in this task. They are called the muscles of mastication (meaning chewing) and help us skillfully open and close our mouth when eating. These muscles can become tight and fatigued, which can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. This can be due to a restriction in your neck, clenching your teeth while you sleep, or trauma to the jaw, such as falling and hitting your jaw. 

If you are going through a period of high stress, this can result in you subconsciously clenching your jaw while you sleep, which can lead to waking up with a sore jaw or even a headache. You may notice this when opening and closing your mouth, and it may feel tight or stiff or even both. In the area where your jaw attaches to your skull, there is something known as an articular disc, which slides during jaw movements to allow us to complete them smoothly. If this disc does not slide as smoothly as it should, it can result in clicking in the jaw when you open your mouth. 

So, what are the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction: 

• Jaw clicking or cracking 
• Pain at the site of your jaw or pain around the jaw, including the upper neck and head 
• Trouble opening or closing your mouth 
• Difficulty opening your mouth all the way 
• Headaches 

So, what can my osteopath do to help me with my jaw pain? Osteopathic treatment of TMJ dysfunction will begin with your osteopath assessing your jaw, neck, and shoulders. Research has shown that there is a strong correlation between jaw pain and neck dysfunction, such as restriction, tightness in the area, or weakness in those muscles. 

Following the assessment, treatment can include, but is not limited to, soft tissue release of the muscles of the jaw and surrounding musculature, gentle joint mobilisation of the jaw itself, and often involves the neck and shoulders. Your osteopath will provide you with self-management strategies for your TMJ dysfunction. This may include self-massage techniques, strengthening exercises for the jaw, neck, or upper back, and they may even provide you with mindfulness exercises. 

In some instances, your osteopath may refer you to a dentist for an assessment if they think that your clenching at night could be contributing to your pain. If clenching is an issue, the dentist may prescribe a night guard to help alleviate some of the pressure when clenching your teeth at night.  

If all that you have read today sounds like you are experiencing TMJ dysfunction, do not hesitate to give the clinic a call to book in your appointment with an osteopath to help you start feeling back to your best self.  

References:  

Gil-Martínez, A., Paris-Alemany, A., López-de-Uralde-Villanueva, I., & La Touche, R. (2018). Management of pain in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD): challenges and solutions. Journal of pain research, 11, 571–587. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S127950 

Herrera-Valencia, A., Ruiz-Muñoz, M., Martin-Martin, J., Cuesta-Vargas, A., & González-Sánchez, M. (2020). Effcacy of Manual Therapy in TemporomandibularJoint Disorders and Its Medium-and Long-TermEffects on Pain and Maximum Mouth Opening:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(11), 3404. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9113404 

Martins, W. R., Blasczyk, J. C., Aparecida Furlan de Oliveira, M., Lagôa Gonçalves, K. F., Bonini-Rocha, A. C., Dugailly, P. M., & de Oliveira, R. J. (2016). Efficacy of musculoskeletal manual approach in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Manual therapy, 21, 10–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2015.06.009 

Valesan, L. F., Da-Cas, C. D., Réus, J. C., Denardin, A. C. S., Garanhani, R. R., Bonotto, D., Januzzi, E., & de Souza, B. D. M. (2021). Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical oral investigations, 25(2), 441–453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-020-03710-w