TMJ Therapy Treatment

TMJ can be due a number of causes and issues; worn teeth or an uneven bite can be a possible cause, as can various other medical conditions. Simple causes of TMJ can be as a result of tension within the jaw and neck and shoulder muscles caused by overuse.

Pain in the joint will often be coming from the soft tissues surrounding it.

Even if there is a physical problem with the disc or the joint itself the muscles will often be involved and a significant reduction in pain and improved function can be achieved with a combination of advanced soft tissue therapy techniques including trigger point work, craniosacral techniques and myofascial release.

Imbalances throughout the body can also be having an effect on the TMJ; for example, tension within the neck and shoulder can potentially cause a line of tension to the jaw and create a misalignment in the joint - creating pain and dysfunction. Imbalances within the hips and pelvis can create tension within the shoulders. 

At Body in Balance we don't just look at the site of pain, but assess other areas of the body which may be contributing. 

Some of the common symptoms of TMJ can include

• Jaw,face, neck and shoulder pain
• Headaches of varying intensity, especially around the temples.
• Popping, clicking, or grating noises in the jaw joint​ 
• Deep jaw pain​ 
• Difficulty opening your mouth, speaking or manipulating the jaw from side to side​. 
• Dizziness or vertigo 
• Tinnitus​ 
• Earache without the presence of infection​ 
• ‘Glop in the throat’ a sensation of something being stuck that wont go down.​ 
• Unevenly worn teeth 
• Twitching of the face or eye muscles; 
• Disordered sleep. 
• Photosensitivity and sensitive to certain sounds​ 
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) 
• Trismus (difficulty opening mouth normally)