Yonemoto Physical Therapy

When the temporomandibular joint doesn't work properly, it can cause  serious problems, such as grinding the teeth or “popping” the jaw, an occasional unhinging or dislocation sensation when opening the mouth, or constant chronic soreness around the back teeth and ears. 

The causes of TMJ dysfunction include stress, dental malocclusion or imperfect bite and arthritis. Often poor posture is to blame, especially in the alignment of the neck bones and the head position.  Although there are two separate temporomandibular joints, they must move simultaneously or at least in harmony.  When proper movement is impaired, pain develops. 

Like all other joints, the TMJ is extremely vulnerable to strains, inflammations and everyday wear and tear, especially when aggravated by poor posture.  The TMJ’s configuration allows the extensive range of motion one experiences with the jawbone and is the result of an extremely complex structure. It’s the complexity that leaves the individual susceptible to the different causes of discomfort described above. 

When simply opening and closing the mouth, the TMJ acts as a hinge. However, when chewing there is a complex movement of the joint which provides the grinding action of the teeth.  It is impossible for only one side of the jaw to move at a time.  During the grinding action, one temporomandibular joint slides forward while the other slides back.  You can feel this by placing your fingers on your jaw joints and moving your jaw to the side as if chewing. 

While your fingers are in this position, there should be no clicking or popping of the joint as the TMJ moves through its complete range of motion. Sometimes a noise is audible to people close to you.  Sometimes it can be felt as a lack of smooth movement with the noise heard only by you. Popping and clicking of the TMJ indicates it is not functioning normally. 

Examination includes determining the balance between the TMJ activity and the muscles moving the jaw through its range of motion.  Imbalances can often be corrected using physical therapy techniques, which produce an immediate balancing of the muscles.  It is sometimes necessary to have the bite balanced by a dentist. 

TMJ dysfunction can cause symptoms far removed from the joint itself. These may include facial pain, muscle fatigue or spasms, headaches, pain and/or “popping or clicking” of the jaw especially while eating, tenderness or inflammation of the joint, and dislocation or locking of the jaw.

See a dentist immediately if any of these symptoms occur, as it may indicate a serious problem.  The dentist can refer you to a physical therapist for treatment. Between five and twenty percent of the population suffer from temporomandibular disorders. Unfortunately these patients, mainly female, have sometimes been labeled as somewhat psychotic. Research efforts in the past 40+ years, however, have clearly shown psychoses play a minor role in TMJ disorders and stress may be the dominant factor. 

The importance of referred pain cannot be overestimated in this disorder. As with any other problem, proper diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. Don’t put it off! 

Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.,
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100,  Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE:  626 576 0591 / FAX: 626 576 5890

Links: 
http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page 
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach 
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

Technorati Tags: Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, TMJ, grinding teeth, dental malocclusion, jaw popping / clicking, posture, jawbone, stress, dentist, facial pain, jawbone, referred pain, physical therapy Alhambra, Monterey Park, South Pasadena, San Marino, Pasadena