What you need to know about Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD)

Often people will see a Massage Therapist due to upper back and neck pain, which are common problems that lead to headaches. Did you know that often these pains can actually originate from your jaw? If you are experiencing pain, there are many ways your Massage Therapist can help.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction is the proper name for a malfunctioning or misaligned jaw joint found directly in front of a client’s ear. TMJD affects 20% – 30% of the adult population and many people do not realise that they are affected.
Anyone can be affected by TMJD. If you have one or more of these signs or symptoms, you could have TMJD:

• clicking sound when you open or close your mouth
• headaches
• pain behind the eyes
• ringing in the ears
• upper back pain
• neck pain
• dizziness
• jaw or tooth pain

There are several ways the disc in the jaw may become displaced. Some of the most common causes are due to past dental work, a direct impact to the jaw, whiplash, posture, clenching of the teeth or other unknown reasons.

Image from: http://www.mychoicedentistry.com/tmj-treatments

Based on this article, if you suspect that you may have TMJD, book a session for a Massage. You will be assessed to confirm if you have the condition. Your treatment will include: Intra Oral Massage (massaging the muscles in your mouth) and facial/upper back and neck muscles. You will also be taught jaw exercises, relaxation techniques and self massage treatments to perform at home that will help you along the way with your treatment plan. Check out our website for our recommended exercises for jaw pain that help with TMJD.
Submitted by: Bernadette Yip, RMT EMR

To book an appointment with Bernadette, please call our Thorncliffe location at 403.800.3373