WHAT IS TMJ?
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is one of the most vital joints in your body. It connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull (temporal bone) and is essential for a variety of functions, such as speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. The TMJ operates like a hinge, allowing the jaw to move smoothly in multiple directions.
When the joint or the muscles surrounding it begin to malfunction, it leads to Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). TMD can result in discomfort, pain, and dysfunction, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks like eating or talking.
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Understanding the TMJ Structure
The TMJ is a synovial joint, meaning it’s lubricated by synovial fluid to allow smooth movement. The joint consists of two parts: the mandibular condyle (the rounded end of your lower jaw) and the mandibular fossa (a depression in the skull where the jaw connects). Between these two parts is an articular disc made of cartilage, which acts as a cushion, absorbing shock and allowing the joint to move smoothly.
Clenching & Grinding (Bruxism)
Chronic bruxism places excessive stress on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Over time, this can lead to joint inflammation, pain, and limited movement.
Joint & Structural Dysfunction
Conditions like disc displacement, joint degeneration, or anatomical asymmetries can disrupt the smooth movement of the jaw joint, leading to clicking, locking, or pain with motion.
Stress & Muscle Tension
The body’s physiological response to stressors often presents as muscle tension, particularly in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. This can contribute to jaw pain and dysfunction
Trauma or Injury
Direct impact (such as from a fall, accident, or sports injury) or prolonged mouth opening (e.g., during dental procedures) can strain or irritate the TMJ.
Muscle Biomechanics
Poor muscle coordination or overuse, particularly in the masseter, temporalis, pterygoids and facial muscles, can disrupt the natural biomechanics of the jaw.
Poor Posture
Forward head posture and poor sitting positions can disrupt alignment in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, leading to muscle tension and impaired jaw function.
Causes of Temporomandibular
Joint Disorders
There are various reasons why someone may develop TMD. These include:
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMD manifests in several ways, with symptoms including:
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Jaw pain or tenderness around the ears, face, and jaw
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Headaches or migraines, often related to muscle tension in the jaw
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Limited jaw movement or difficulty opening and closing the mouth
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Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
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Neck pain and tension
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Earaches, even without an ear infection
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Tooth sensitivity due to strain on the jaw muscles
Treatment of TMJ Disorders
Effective management of TMD requires a comprehensive and individualised approach. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in targeting the underlying causes, whether muscular, joint-related, or postural. Using a combination of manual techniques, specific jaw exercises, posture correction, and muscle relaxation techniques, TMJ physiotherapists can help relieve pain, improve jaw mobility, and promote long-term outcomes.
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When to Seek Professional Help?
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, locking, difficulty opening your mouth or eating, it may be a sign of TMD. An early assessment with an experienced TMJ physiotherapist is essential. Timely treatment can help prevent the condition from progressing, reduce discomfort, and minimise the need for more invasive interventions.