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Relieve the Feeling Of A Tired Jaw From TMD

Written on . Posted in Head & Neck.

Do you ever experience locking, popping, tension headaches, or tightness in your jaw when chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth wide? If you said yes, this could likely be a symptom of temporomandibular disorder or TMD.

 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the jaw acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. TMD can cause various levels of pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.

 

The specific causes of a person’s TMJ disorder can vary, and it is sometimes difficult to determine the root. Because of this, there can be multiple causes of the condition. It’s important to work with a highly-trained professional to assess your condition and provide proper steps for treatment.

 

Some of the most common causes of TMD are:

  • Microtrauma
  • Repetitive overuse
  • Degenerative changes in the joint
  • Chronic stress
  • Habits of teeth clenching, grinding, or bruxism
  • Poor posture

 

Some of the most common symptoms of TMD are:

  • Pain in the jaw
  • Limited mouth opening
  • Joint noises (popping of the jaw)
  • Headaches
  • Neck discomfort/pain 

Physical therapists have become an increasingly important resource for patients experiencing jaw pain related to TMD. Your physical therapist will evaluate your posture and focus on how your cervical spine moves.

 

Physical therapy can help to restore the natural movement of your jaw and decrease your pain. Based on the severity of your condition, your PT will prescribe personalized treatments that will work best for you.

 

Aside from just exercises to help relieve discomfort from TMD, a physical therapist will help to further educate you so that you can become more aware about the condition.

 

Our goal is to help you get back to doing the activities you love, pain free. Speak with a physical therapist today to start one-on-one personalized treatment to help relieve symptoms of TMD today.

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Jessica Jones

Physical Therapist

Jessica recently moved to Seattle from Boston, MA and is excited to join the Therapydia team. Her treatment experience includes orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, and vestibular therapy. Jessica received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2016. She has completed the Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and is in the process of completing a Comprehensive Vestibular Rehabilitation certification. Jessica believes in empowering and inspiring patients to take control of their health through education, movement, and exercise. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and levels while utilizing soft tissue techniques, neuromuscular re-education, balance training as well as therapeutic exercise. In her free time, Jessica enjoys yoga, dancing, kayaking, and hiking with her dog!