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TMD/TMJ

Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region pain affects many people. Craniofacial pain, myofascial pain and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) are often complex problems. TMD can be affected by stress levels, posture, trauma, and habits such as grinding/locking your teeth. TMD is often accompanied by headaches and neck pain. Due to this, we take a comprehensive approach in treating it. Our therapists are highly trained and specialized in the treatment of TMD. Due to the role that stress and teeth occlusion play in TMD, we take a multidisciplinary approach and work with physicians, dentists and orthodontists to provide a comprehensive treatment. Whether your pain is old or new, we are confident we can help.

TMJ symptoms:

  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches
  • Earaches, hearing loss
  • Tooth pain
  • Pain when chewing
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
  • Limited opening or closing of jaw
  • Dizziness
  • Facial pain or numbness
  • Neck or throat pain

Problems that cause TMD/TMJ:

  • Clenching
  • Bruxism: grinding of the teeth and often increased with stress
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Traumas
  • Disk-condyle incoordination-internal derangement
  • Arthritis

Treatment options:

  • Spinal Manipulation/mobilization to the upper back and neck
  • Soft tissue mobilization and muscle releases during functional movements such as chewing and talking
  • Joint mobilization to the TMJ which can be gentle and tolerable
  • Dry needling to tight muscles in the jaw and neck
  • Traction and distraction techniques
  • Kinesio taping, postural taping and bracing to improve forward head posture or inhibit muscles being overused in clenching
  • Specialized exercise programs focusing on your specific muscle weaknesses or imbalances. We also set you up with a home program to maximize recovery between visits.