Temporomandibular Joint

What Is The TMJ And What Is A TMJ Disfunction?

The temporomandibular joint (jaw) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. The TMJ allows for opening and closing of the mouth for eating, talking and facial expressions.  A TMJ disorder/disfunction can cause clicking and locking of the joint and is generally associated with pain in one or more areas including the jaw, facial muscles, neck and headaches.

What Can Cause TMJ Disorders?

• Lifestyle:

  • Stress / Bruxism (grinding or clenching of the teeth)

  • Orthodontic Braces (change in mouth structure)

  • Injury / Trauma

• Anatomical:

  • Tight/overactive muscles

  • Disc pathology 

  • Joint pathologies (eg. arthritis, connective tissue, degeneration)

  • Genetic predispositions (eg. formation of jaw)

Can It Be Treated?

Yes. A Physiotherapist trained in TMJ dysfunction can assess and diagnose the cause of your concerns and recommend treatments specific to you. The physiotherapist may suggest collaboration with your dentist for optimal results.