There are two Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ), one on each side of the face. They connect the jawbone to the skull and act like sliding hinges to open and close the mouth — important in chewing, talking, biting, singing, and making facial expressions.
Understanding the TMJ Complex
The TMJ complex involves the jawbone, skull, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and two discs that act like cushions within each joint. The muscles around the TMJ include superficial muscles (close to the surface) and deep muscles (deep within the tissues), collectively called the muscles of mastication. Problems with the TMJ or its surrounding structures cause temporomandibular dysfunction, often referred to as TMJ.
Common Causes of TMJ
There are many causes of TMJ dysfunction. Any problem with the bones, joints, muscles, or connective tissues around the joint can contribute, including:
- Injury — falling, car accidents, fights, and any direct trauma to the area can damage the joint and muscles.
- Disc dislocation — the cushioning disc within the joint can become dislodged or stop gliding properly, causing the joint to stop opening and closing normally.
- Tight muscles — muscles that attach the head to the jaw can become tight enough to pull the jaw to one side when opening and closing.
- Stress — stress can cause tension in the muscles, contributing to grinding and clenching the jaw.
- Weak posture — muscles that attach to the head and jaw also attach to the neck and shoulders, so stress on postural muscles can alter TMJ motion.
Due to the potential complexity of determining the cause of TMJ symptoms, it’s always best to seek treatment with a health care professional familiar with the different causes of TMJ. Most TMJ is benign and responds well to chiropractic care.
Common Symptoms
TMJ problems can have many symptoms that may be present all the time, or come and go with motion, chewing, stress levels, or opening and closing the jaw, including jaw pain, pain in the face or neck, ear pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, inability to open the mouth fully, clicking, jaw locking or popping, and stiffness.
Evaluation and Treatment
While many medical doctors will listen to the symptoms and provide medications that temporarily relieve pain, or refer to a surgeon, chiropractic care for TMJ includes a thorough examination of the muscles, ligaments, joints, posture, and gait, as well as discussing past injuries and lifestyle habits that may be contributing to your condition.
Most TMJ conditions respond well to conservative treatment and do not require surgery. Chiropractic care for TMJ generally includes several techniques, each chosen to relieve specific causes:
- Chiropractic adjustments — gentle, controlled, and directed adjustments delivered to the joints and tissues to restore optimal movement and function.
- Myofascial Release (MFR) — works with the muscles and soft tissues between them to relax overly tight, overworked muscles in the jaw, shoulder, neck, and upper back.
- Active Release Technique (ART) — a targeted treatment of specific regions in the muscles and soft tissues to release scar tissue and restore proper muscle function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes TMJ dysfunction?
Common causes include injury (falls, car accidents), disc dislocation within the joint, tight muscles, stress, and poor posture affecting the muscles connected to the jaw.
What are the most common symptoms of TMJ?
Symptoms can include jaw pain, face or neck pain, ear pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, inability to fully open the mouth, clicking, jaw locking or popping, and stiffness.
Can chiropractic care help with TMJ?
Yes. Most TMJ conditions are benign and respond well to conservative, non-surgical chiropractic treatment, including adjustments, Myofascial Release, and Active Release Technique.
Does TMJ always require surgery?
No. Most TMJ conditions respond well to conservative treatment and do not require surgery.
How does posture relate to TMJ pain?
The muscles around the jaw connect to the front and back of the neck, so poor posture — like rounded shoulders and a forward head position — puts stress on those muscles and frequently contributes to TMJ pain.