What is the difference between Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) and Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD)

The fact is we all have a TMJ! "TMJ" is an acronym for Temporo-Mandibular Joint — more commonly known as your jaw. When your jaw becomes painful this is what is referred to as Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction ("TMD").

The TMJ is located just in front of your ear, if you put your little finger in your ear and open and close your mouth you can feel it move! The joint itself is made up of the mandible, which is the lower part of your face that moves. The mandible also contains the bottom row of your teeth. The temporal part of the joint is your skull (head). The mandible is attached to your head via ligaments and muscles. There is a small disc located between the mandible and temporal bone. This disc is made up of cartilage and cushions the space between the bones. The disc is usually responsible for the clicking and "crunching" that you may experience when opening and closing your mouth.

Is there a cure for your TMJ problem?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain is a very difficult problem for a person to have to deal with. You are not alone. It is manageable and sometimes correctable with the appropriate care. Physical therapy plays a very important role in most TMJ problems.

5 factors that can cause your jaw to become painful

1. Poor Posture: The way that you position or posture yourself can affect the function of your TMJ. Sitting in front of your computer for long periods or supporting the phone on your shoulder are examples of poor posturing that may contribute to the problem.

2. Neck Problems: Your neck is very important in the proper functioning of your TMJ. Think of your neck as the foundation upon which your head and TMJ sit. If the foundation is "off" then the other structures on top of it will be affected. For a complete recovery it is very important that all of your neck problems are also corrected.

3. Abnormal (Para-Functional) Activities: This category includes a number of activities that are stressful to your TMJ. Some examples of these behaviors are:
   1. Biting your nails
   2. Chewing gum
   3. Grinding or clenching your teeth

4. Recent Dental Work: If you have had dental work completed recently and notice that your teeth are not coming together smoothly. This may be caused by a filling, crown or bridge that is altering your bite. Your bite is the way that your teeth fit together when you close your mouth. It should be a smooth closing without a feeling of the teeth being blocked or shifted. If you notice this you need to contact your dentist and let him know.

5. Trauma: It is not uncommon after a car accident (whiplash) for a person to experience TMJ pain. The whiplash can cause the muscles of the neck to create a significant pull on the mandible. This can irritate the TMJ and be productive of pain and headaches.

Evaluation — What to expect from Rehabilitex?

When you are referred to Rehabilitex Inc. we do a comprehensive evaluation and consider all of the factors that can contribute to your problem. The following is an example of the areas that we will investigate when we treat your TMJ:

• Subjective examination of your medical and dental history, any trauma you have had, and daily activities that may aggravate your complaints.
• Structural and postural abnormalities that may be contributing to the problem.
• Cervical examination to rule out the spine as a cause.
• Comprehensive examination of the TMJ and the associated muscles. We evaluate very closely how your TMJ moves looking for abnormalities and asymmetries.

Treatment — Does it hurt?

Our goal is your comfort!  We work very hard to give you the best conservative care we can and if at all possible, keep you out of surgery!

• We realize every patient is different. Depending on your specific TMD problem we design a treatment plan to address:
• Associated pain.
• Associated Loss Of Mobility.
• Abnormal Movement Behaviors (Popping, Cracking, Grinding Noises).
• Associated Headaches.
• Educating you on the "to do's" and "not to do's" as it relates to your problem.

Our goals are accomplished through the use of a variety of physical therapy techniques/services:

• Manual therapy is essential. Gentle joint mobilization addresses any restrictions that may be present limiting your mobility.
• Medical massage techniques are utilized to reduce painful muscle spasms.
• Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice or heat assist in reduction of inflammation in the joint/s or the surrounding muscles.
• Exercises are used in the clinic and you are instructed on a comprehensive program for home use as well. It is extremely important that you are an active participant with the exercise program. Exercise is what "heals" the structures and makes them strong.

We are here to help!

We work closely with your Physician and/or Dentist to develop a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses all the potential factors that may be contributing to your pain.

Click here to make an appointment at Rehabilitex.