11/22/2025
JAW PAIN OR TMJ PROBLEMS....
Registered Massage Therapy can be an essential part of your jaw health maintenance to improve function and decrease pain and discomfort.
Jacklyn Leel, Registered Massage Therapist
Body Works Massage
Book online at: bodyworks.janeapp.com
TMJ
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The temporomandibular joint, also called TMJ, acts like a sliding hinge. It connects the jawbone to the skull. There is one joint on each side of the jaw. TJM disorders - a type of temporomandibular disorder - or TMD - can cause pain in the jaw and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
The exact cause of TMJ disorder is often hard to determine. The pain may be due to a mix of factors, including habits such as teeth clenching, gum chewing and nail biting; stress; and painful conditions that occur along with TMJ disorder such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis or jaw injury. The habit of teeth clenching or grinding also known as bruxism.
Most of the time, the pain and discomfort related to TMJ lasts only for a limited time. Self-managed home care, massage therapy, physiotherapy for the jaw and the use of a mouth guard can be effective in treating symptoms of TMJ disorder. Surgery is usually a last resort after the conservative measures have failed. But surgical treatments may help some people with TMJ disorders.
SYMPTONS
Symptoms of TMJ disorder may include:
` pain or tenderness in the jaw
` pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
` aching pain in and around the ear
` having a hard time chewing or pain while chewing
` aching facial pain
` locking of the jaw, making it hard to open or close your mouth
` headache
` neck pain
` eye pain
` tooth pain that occurs along with jaw tenderness
TMJ disorders may cause a clicking or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew.
CAUSES
The temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action with sliding motions. The parts of the bones that work together in the joint are covered with cartilage and separated by a small shock-absorbing disk. The disk usually keeps the movement smooth.
Painful TMJ disorders can happen if:
` the disc erodes or moves out of its proper relationship between the ball and socket of the joint
` sprain or strain occurs in the ligaments or soft tissues associated with TMJ disorders
` arthritis damages the joints cartilage
` a blow or another impact damages the joint
` jaw muscles are associated with TMJ spasms
RISK FACTORS
Factors that may raise the risk of getting TMJ disorders include:
` different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
` jaw injury
` habits such as gum chewing, nail biting, and grinding or clenching of teeth
` certain connective tissue diseases
` stress, STSD, anxiety or depression
` conditions such as fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis and sleep disturbances
` smoking
* a special thank you to the Mayo Clinic for the great information regarding TJM**