TMJ
What is TMJ?
The abbreviation, TMJ, means temporomandibular joint. Don’t worry about it popping up on a spelling quiz. We can just use TMJ here. It’s also used to refer to disorders of this same joint. You might have heard someone you know say “I had TMJ once.” When healthcare providers are talking about TMJ issues, it usually means the little disc that sits between where your jaw pivots on your skull has slipped out of place in some form or fashion.
How does TMJ happen?
Most often these days, it starts with forward head posture and has a domino effect from there. With slouching, peering into screens all day, and looking downward a lot, the head tends to sit farther forward than it should. The muscles on the front of the neck are constantly stretched in this position. Since many are attached to the jaw bone, they pull the jaw backwards and downward. The muscles in the mouth and face that pull the jaw forward and upward have to counteract the neck muscles and end up pulling all the time. Since one of these muscles is attached to the stuff that holds the disc, it means the disc is gradually getting pulled out of place. If you hear clicks when you open and/or close your mouth, it’s probably the sound of the disc popping into and out of place while the bones are moving around it. If this continues long enough without intervention, the disc can eventually get stuck in a spot that blocks the jaw from being able to open.
Kind of makes me regret not paying better attention to my posture after all those times my mom told me to sit up straight as a kid!
There are some other things that can cause TMJ issues but they’re not as common. A few examples are: chronic jaw clenching, teeth alignment, fracture, surgery, and arthritis.
How do physical therapists help?
By now, you probably know what’s coming… exercise! PTs know anatomy inside and out and can help you find the right exercises to improve your posture and prevent TMJ problems in the future. They can also provide some pain relief and use hands-on techniques to increase how much your jaw is able to move. Your PT may also notice something previously missed by others and decide to make a referral to a dentist for both of you to work with in creating a treatment plan.
If you would like to learn more, try one of these sites next and let me know your thoughts!
https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-temporomandibular-joint-disorder
