Tempero-Mandibular Pain – TMJ

The name is derived from the two bones which form the joint: the upper temporal bone which is part of the cranium (skull), and the lower jaw bone called the mandible. The unique feature of the TMJs is the articular disc. The disc is composed of fibrocartilagenous tissue (like the firm and flexible elastic cartilage of the ear) which is positioned between the two bones that form the joint.

CAUSES

 Neck and Back Pain

 Muscle spasm of the Head, Neck and Jaw

 Muscle Imbalance cause mal-tracking of the joint

 Tooth Clenching (particularly at Night)

 Worries/Stress

 Meniscus Derangement

AGGREVATING FACTORS

 Chewy foods

 Cold weather

 Yawning

 Singing etc

 Allowing your jaw to move to one side / rolling your jaw

TREATMENT

● Jaw Rest

● Avoid aggravating factors

● If you have to yawn put your tongue on the roof of your mouth

● Don’t do anything that causes clicking / locking

● Soft diet

● Meat/chicken Cut up

● Vegetables Cooked & soft

● Salad/fruit Sliced

● No hard/ chewy food Gum, lollies, chocolate nuts, Muesli, bars, Pizza, McDonalds, rolls, crusty bread, hard/ dry toast

HOT / COLD

● Hot wet compresses to the tender areas of the face

● Place 2 hand-towels in a basin of hot water and place one of the towels around the face and neck. As it cools, swap the towels.

● Repeat 3-4 times a day for 3- 5 minutes

● This is more effective than a heat pack or hot water bottle.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

● Mobilisation of the TMJ (passive stretching)

● Massage of head, face and neck to reduce muscle tension

● Biomechanical Assessment & strengthening

● Stress reduction strategies.

● Provide behaviour modification and counselling.