TMJ Disorders
TMJ Disorders – Understanding Jaw Joint Dysfunction
role in chewing, speaking, and facial motion. When this joint or its surrounding muscles
become inflamed or misaligned, it can lead to a range of painful symptoms known as
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Common Signs & Symptoms of TMD
symptoms that seem unrelated — like ear discomfort or headaches.
– Jaw pain or tenderness
– Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
– Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
– Locking of the jaw (open or closed position)
– Earache or fullness without infection
– Headaches, neck, or facial pain
– Pain while chewing or speaking
Common Signs & Symptoms of TMD
surrounding muscles, particularly the chewing muscles and neck. Trigger points — tight bands or knots within the muscle — can refer pain to other areas of the face or head, mimicking other conditions like sinus pain or migraine.
What Causes TMD?
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
– Poor posture or forward head posture
– Malocclusion (misaligned bite)
– Stress-related clenching
– Systemic conditions such as arthritis.
Conservative & Multidisciplinary Treatment Options
– Oral orthotics to reposition and stabilize the jaw
– Myofunctional therapy to address muscle imbalance
Manual therapy or physiotherapy
– Collaboration with ENT, neurologist, sleep specialist, or pain medicine expert
What You Can Do at Home
Apply moist heat or cold packs
– Avoid chewy or hard foods
– Practice jaw relaxation and awareness exercises
– Maintain good posture, especially when working or sleeping
– Use stress reduction and breathing techniques
Think your jaw pain may be more than just stress? Book a consultation to get clarity and long-term relief.