TMJ Dysfunction (Jaw Pain)

Do you have trouble eating or experience pain/discomfort when yawning?
Do you deal with persistent pain or discomfort in your jaw?
Does it feel uneven or hear a click when you open or close your mouth?
If this sounds like you, then you may have TMJ dysfunction, or “temporomandibular joint disorder.”

What is TMJ pain?

The temporomandibular joint is the link between your jaw and your skull. TMJ dysfunction is a condition that causes discomfort and stiffness in this joint and the surrounding muscles. TMJ dysfunction can arise if the joint is injured, damaged or simply overused.

What causes TMJ pain/disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure comprised of bones, muscles and tendons that can cause pain on one or both sides of your jaw. This can make opening your mouth, talking, yawning, and chewing all very difficult.

There are several reasons why TMJ dysfunction may develop, but misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding, jaw injury and stress are the most common causes.

The best way to diagnose TMJ dysfunction is through a thorough assessment in which your medical history will be reviewed, along with some movement tests and screening of your jaw movements and neck by one of our physiotherapists.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

Headaches

Sore jaw muscles

Zig zag jaw

Jaw popping

Pain in the temples

Earaches

Jaw pain

Pain when eating or chewing or singing

It is important to rule out other conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disease, or even swollen lymph nodes as these conditions have related symptoms. Once your diagnosis has been determined, you will be treated based on the nature of your symptoms.

How do we treat TMJ pain/dysfunction?

We use our 4-step system to assess and treat your condition as outlined below. This ensures you have the best possible chance of getting better and the problem not returning in future.

1) Assess

First we listen to you and take a detailed history of your jaw pain and how it affects you. Then we do a thorough examination of your jaw mobility, neck, shoulders and thoracic spine area using movement tests and screens.

We then explain your likely diagnosis and proposed treatment plan of exactly what we need to do, to get you better.

2) Mobilise

We then begin treatment. This usually involves a combination of hands-on techniques as outlined below to help improve joint stiffness, decrease pain and improve muscle and nerve tension.

Soft tissue massage and mobilisation

Joint mobilisation

Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Muscle Energy Techniques

Taping

Advice around lifestyle, posture and ergonomics.

We begin to build your exercise rehab programme ensuring it fits around your life and is not overwhelming.

3) Strengthen

Once pain has begun to settle and we are moving in the right direction, the emphasis shifts to helping you build the necessary strength and resilience of muscles and joints in order to get those long-lasting results. We work with you 1:1 in our dedicated rehab space and/or start you in our group PhysioFit Pilates classes.

4) Optimise

Now that you are well on your way to being pain free, we show you how to build on these results. Many of our clients choose to start our Physio Led Pilates classes which are an excellent way to stay consistent with your exercises and to keep you on track going forwards.

Note: Most people don’t need scans but if during the assessment or subsequent treatment sessions we decide your condition does need further investigation like an X-ray or MRI, we have the facilities to refer you privately if you wish. Usually, we can get this organised and have a result within 3-5 days.

How do I get started?

If you are ready to book in then you can either phone the main desk on 0191 814 9717, or use our easy online booking system by clicking here and selecting the ‘Physiotherapy Assessment/First Appointment’ option at a day and time that suits you. You will usually be offered an appointment within 48 hours.