TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a common health concern and is caused by dysfunction of the joint located just in front of the ear. It is characterized by uneven muscle function of the jaw and is often noticed by dentists during normal checkups. There are several symptoms associated with TMJ, and this disease is commonly characterized by pain at the joint, clicking noises when the jaw is opened or closed, and a reduced range of motion, among others. Fortunately, physical therapy for TMJ has been shown to be incredibly useful in reducing or eliminating the symptoms. A variety of types of physical therapy are employed for TMJ relief, including relaxation techniques, positioning training, and the use of oral appliances such as night guards.
Some people with TMJ learn that their symptoms are directly related to seemingly unrelated stimuli, such as stress. For these patients, TMJ relief can be as close as practicing meditation and participating in deep relaxation training. Another common and easily implemented type of physical therapy for TMJ is positioning, which instructs the patient to keep his or her lips together while holding the top and bottom teeth slightly apart. It is also suggested that TMJ patients try to breathe through the nose as much as possible. Other changes in habits such as eliminating gum chewing, nail biting, and any unnecessary motion of the jaw are also helpful in reducing the symptoms of this disorder.
The medical community has other options in physical therapy for TMJ patients as well. In more serious cases, it is not uncommon for dental appliances to be used in treating this condition. The most commonly used appliances include night guards and oral splints that are specially fitted for each patient by the therapist or dentist. A TMJ patient may also be advised to take medications, usually for anti-inflammatory purposes. In most cases, over-the-counter options are considered to be sufficient, but for severe pain, a dentist may choose to prescribe stronger medications.
Physical therapy for TMJ is usually prescribed when the patient is experiencing symptoms that include pain in the temporomandibular joint, neck pain, and sometimes tooth sensitivity. Other common symptoms of TMJ are headaches, usually felt in the temple or forehead regions of the head; ringing of the ears; and occasionally unexplained hearing loss. Some patients experience difficulty at mealtime, as the condition has been known to make biting into food painful. A dentist can personalize TMJ physical therapy to meet the needs of each patient, as not all therapies are equally effective for everyone. Most people, with the help of their dentists, are able to find relief from this condition through physical therapy.
