Temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, is the acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to muscle spasms, disk displacement, arthritis, and injuries among others. TMD and TMJ are frequently used interchangeably, when in actuality TMD refers to the condition and TMJ refers to the anatomy.
It is estimated that up to 12 percent of the population suffers from TMD at any given time with women twice as likely to experience symptoms, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Symptoms and triggers for temporomandibular disorder
The TMJ is located in from the ear and connects the lower jaw to the temporal region of the skull with a soft cartilaginous disk as a cushion between the bones. When you move your jaw, the upper ends of the jaw, or condylar process, glide forward along the joint socket at the base of the skull, likewise, when we close our mouth, the condyle gently slides back into place. If the muscles that stabilize the jaw become irritated on one side relative to the other, the jaw does not slide back into place easily it can lead to the following symptoms:
- Clicking or popping when chewing
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw or ear region
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the jaw
- Headaches or dizziness
- Tinnitus in the ear
- Teeth sensitivity
The most common reasons people may develop TMD include nail biting, teeth grinding, side or stomach sleeping, degenerative joint disease including arthritis, disk displacement, and injury or direct trauma to the jaw.
How can chiropractic care help?
Muscle release: Focusing on the muscles that we use while chewing — the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids — we assess for any tension discrepancy from one side to the other and gently release the muscles through trigger point therapy. In addition to the muscles of the jaw, we will look at the suboccipital region at the top of the neck as tension through this area can affect the movement of the jaw.
Adjustments: Once we have ruled out or corrected any muscle involvement, an assessment and gentle adjustment to the TMJ may be performed to realign the condyles of the jaw and/or temporal bones of the head. We will also assess the top two vertebrae in the neck as misalignment can contribute to altered biomechanics and posture placing excess stress on TMJ.
Lifestyle and home remedies for TMD
To reduce and manage symptoms of TMD at home, try these self-care tips:
Apply moist heat or cold packs: Using a warm compress or cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 10-15 minutes each can help reduce muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in the jaw region.
Home exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening of the suboccipital and mastication muscles can improve jaw mobility and reduce tension. After identifying which muscles are the primary cause, your provider will give you specific exercises and stretches to release the muscles that may be causing your symptoms.
Avoid aggravating activities: When possible, avoid activities that involve widely opening the jaw such as yawning or loudly singing. If currently in a sport, make sure to take extra precautions to avoid injury to the face or jaw that could worsen symptoms.
Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding which can worsen TMD symptoms. Try implementing a daily meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or yoga routine to manage stress levels.
Adjust sleeping position: Side and stomach sleeping can often put excess strain on the jaw and suboccipital region, causing an increase in muscle tension and aggravation of symptoms. Sleeping on your back with a lumbar support may improve symptoms. For those that sleep best on their side, find a pillow that offers good neck support without placing pressure on the jaw.
