TMJ Pain & Dysfunction

What is TMJ Pain?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction involves pain and altered or impaired function in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, affecting activities like chewing, speaking, and facial expressions.

Common Presentations

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, ear, or neck

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth

  • Restricted jaw movement or locking of the jaw

  • Headaches or facial discomfort

Managing Jaw Pain
Causes of Jaw Pain

Common Causes

  • Muscular tension and stress-related habits such as clenching or grinding (brixism)

  • Joint degeneration (such are osteoarthritis)

  • Disc displacement or malalignment

  • Trauma or injury to the jaw

  • Sustained postures that may affect jaw use and tension

Prognosis

Most cases of TMJ pain are managed effectively with conservative treatments. Prognosis is generally good, although persistent symptoms may require multidisciplinary care.

Muscle Pain in the Jaw

Muscular TMJ Dysfunction

Primarily involves muscle pain or spasm, typically associated with stress or habitual clenching and grinding

Types of TMJ Dysfunction

Temporomandibular Joint

Joint-Related TMJ Dysfunction

Involved the actual joint structures, including disc displacement, inflammation, or arthritis.

Osteopathic neck assessment

Assessing Back Pain

Clinical assessment typically involves:

  • Detailed clinical history

  • Physical examination focusing on neck mobility, muscle strength, and neurological function

  • Imaging studies, if indicated (X-rays, MRI)

  • Evaluation of biopsychosocial factors influencing pain

Evidence-Based Management

Management strategies supported by current clinical evidence include:

  • Physical Therapy and Exercises: Specific neck exercises, strengthening, and mobility routines.

  • Manual Therapy: Techniques such as mobilisation and soft-tissue therapy.

  • Patient Education: Information about occupational factors, ergonomic modifications, and reassurance.

  • Psychological Interventions: Cognitive-behavioural therapy for persistent pain.

  • Medication: Limited short-term use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories, as per guidelines.

  • Multidisciplinary Care: Collaborative approach with allied health professionals, when indicated.

Management of neck pain