Complementary care for tension and pain in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.

Have you ever experienced facial pain while talking or chewing?  A “popping” or “clicking” on the side of your face along your yaw?  Or possibly you have a history of grinding your teeth?  These can be a few of the signs or symptoms that describe a condition of the jaw joint known as Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunctions (TMJD).

Over 10 million Americans have TMJD ranging from mild to severe enough to require surgical intervention.  More women than men have some from of TMJD.

The good news is that TMJD is most often manageable without surgery.  If you suspect you have TMJD, the first course of action is to see your dentist.  But along with dental attention, many sufferers find tremendous relief from gentle, relaxing massage.

What is TMJD?

TMJD is not one disorder but a group of symptoms, usually painful, that involve the jaw, or temporomandibular joint.  In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, you may also experience ringing in the ears, dizziness, headaches, or even back and shoulder pain.

TMJD can be brought on by a variety of problems such as traumatic injury to the jaw or neck, whiplash injuries, arthritis of the temporomandibular joint, and uneven bite (malocclusion), or poor postural habits.

Another factor may be the slipping or tearing of the joints cushioning pad, or disk, which can result in abnormal positioning of the joint.  In addition, a traumatic injury or disease may cause a problem involving the disk called and intracapsular disorder.

Finally, stress, either physical or psychological, may cause or aggravate TMJD.

How can massage help?

Researcheers generally agree the most common form of TMJD is myofascial pain, that is, discomfort in the muscles (myo) and their connective tissue coverings (fascia).  Most frequently involved are muscles that control the jaw, neck and shoulders.  Massage can relieve myofascial pain by releasing muscle tension and stretching contracted fascia.  Massage also increases circulation which softens fascia, cleanses tissues of irritating by-products of inflammation, and improves nutrition to stressed areas.

Improved circulation and relief of muscle tension can also help reduce frequency and strength of headaches, another common symptom of TMJD.

With TMJD, normal movements, or range of motion in the jaw, neck and shoulders can be limited by muscle spasm,. In addition, poor postural habits can contribute to TMJD by pulling muscles into chronically tight or overstretched positions.  By relaxing muscles in the neck, shoulders and jaw, massage can reduce postural imbalances and improve range of motion in these areas.  The body can return to a more natural posture and experience greater ease of movement with less pain or stress.

Your dentist may want to have you fitted with a splint or jaw re-positioner appliance.  If this is a appropriate, it is best to be fitted with the surrounding muscles as relaxed as possible.  Therapeutic massage can help relax the muscles so that a proper fitting can be made.

Your massage therapist’s unique approach

Your massage therapist may employ a variety of techniques such as ice massage, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, Swedish massage, muscle energy technique or craniosacral therapy.  She or he may also teach you simple stretching, self –massage and relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve postural habits that can contribute to TMJD.  More important than specific techniques used are the training and experience of your practitioner.  Your therapist will be delighted to explain his or her background and approach.

Stress, massage and TMJD

Physical or mental stress can play a major part in TMJD by increasing muscle tension and the perception of pain.  Massage can help, first by relieving pain, which is a major stressor for TMJD sufferers.  Second, research shows that a relaxing massage can calm the nervous system, allowing muscles to relax, slowing and deepening the breath, and freeing up energy for vital maintenance functions such as digestion and repair of damaged tissue.  In addition, just knowing there is something you can do to alleviate your symptoms, even temporarily, can reduce emotional stress by giving you some control over your situation.

Do you have TMJD?

If you think you may have TMJD, try these test.

Place an index finger in each ear.  Now slowly open and close your mouth.  If you hear clicking or popping, this may be an early sign of a temporomandibular condition.

While watching yourself in the mirror, open your mouth and then slowly close it.  If your jaw moves to the left or the right as you close, this may also indicate TMJD.

You may also notice you have increasingly limited jaw movement.  If so, or if you have positive results to either one of the tests, arrange an appointment with your dentist for a complete examination.

A quick picture

The jaw is a bilateral joint, one on each side of your head.  It is made up to two bones:  the mandible (jawbone) and the temporal bone (located at the side of your skull).  These two bones are attached to each other by ligaments and are surrounded by small muscles which play a vital role in controlling the position and movements of the jaw.  A small fibrous pad knows as the disk acts as a friction absorber, preventing the bones from rubbing on each other, and assuring a smoothly functioning joint.  Nearby muscles of the neck and shoulders can indirectly affect the jaw area, and/or can become tense and painful as a result of TMJD.  Problems with any of these structures can cause or aggravate TMJD.

If you have TMJD

If you have TMJD, thy to avoid chewing gum or eating crunchy or chewy foods.  Applying heat (or sometimes cold) to the jaw joint can ease symptoms.  Supporting your general health with a well balanced, nutritious diet can help you cope with the demands of your daily life and your TMJD.  In addition, you can help your condition by decreasing your stress level with activities such as aerobic exercise, yoga, breathing exercises or stress counseling.

Finally, early intervention is very important.  Consult your dentist and massage therapist so they can work together to give you the most professional, comprehensive treatment available.