Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

TMJ Dysfunction causes varying degrees of pain and sometimes complete malfunctioning in one or both jaw joints. People who suffer from TMJ Dysfunction experience tenderness, headaches and limited jaw movement. The condition frequently spreads to the ears, neck, and shoulders causing other health problems. Women and 20-40 year olds are in a higher risk group for contracting TMJ Dysfunction.

Common Causes:

• Weak neck extensor muscles in back of neck
• Misalignment of joints due to bite or denture problems
• Misalignment of the upper neck vertebrae or bones of the skull
• Injury (e.g. whiplash)
• Nerve or circulatory problems
• Improper tracking (movement) of TMJ disc within the joint
• Tension, clenching and grinding
• Arthritis and fibromyalgia

   

  Sings and Symptoms:

   

• Clicking, popping or misalignment of joint
• Spontaneous dislocation
• Tender jaw muscles
• Limited range of motion
• Dull, aching pain in front of the ear
• Headaches
• Hyper-mobility of the jaw
• Lower jaw shifts when chewing
• Increased pain in the morning

   

  Treatment:

  Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) do a thorough exam of the patient's head, neck and face. RMTs will then look at patient history, lifestyle and tension habits to identify other pain triggers. With patient background in hand, LMTs develop individual Massage Therapy treatments to correct problem areas and increase range of motion. LMTs also provide gentle stretching tips for in-between sessions.

  Benefits:

  Massage Therapy will reduce pain, muscle tension, spasm, and swelling, and increase movement for those suffering from TMJ.

  
  Information courtesy of the Massage Therapists' Association of BC

EASING THE PAIN