Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

TMJ Dysfunction causes varying degrees of pain and sometimes complete malfunctioning in one or both jaw joints. People who suffer from TMJ Dysfunction experience tenderness, headaches and limited jaw movement. The condition frequently spreads to the ears, neck, and shoulders causing other health problems. Women and 20-40 year olds are in a higher risk group for contracting TMJ Dysfunction.

Common Causes:

Weak neck extensor muscles in back of neck

Misalignment of joints due to bite or denture problems

Misalignment of the upper neck vertebrae or bones of the skull

Injury (e.g. whiplash)

Nerve or circulatory problems

Improper tracking (movement) of TMJ disc within the joint

Tension, clenching and grinding

Arthritis and fibromyalgia

Sings and Symptoms:

Clicking, popping or misalignment of joint

Spontaneous dislocation

Tender jaw muscles

Limited range of motion

Dull, aching pain in front of the ear

Headaches

Hyper-mobility of the jaw

Lower jaw shifts when chewing

Increased pain in the morning

Treatment:

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) do a thorough exam of the patient's head, neck and face. RMTs will then look at patient history, lifestyle and tension habits to identify other pain triggers. With patient background in hand, RMTs develop individual Massage Therapy treatments to correct problem areas and increase range of motion. RMTs also provide gentle stretching tips for in-between sessions.

Benefits:

Massage Therapy will reduce pain, muscle tension, spasm, and swelling, and increase movement for those suffering from TMJ.

Information courtesy of the Massage Therapists' Association of BC