Do you suffer from TMJ pains?

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27320058.post-16529479771892023972007-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:002007-09-03T15:10:54.448-07:00Do you suffer from TMJ pains?Do you feel......? <ul><li>Discomfort or pain in the jaw</li><li>Your mouth doesn't open all the way</li><li>Your mouth doesn't open smoothly or straight</li><li>Unable to find your 'bite'</li><li>Clicking or popping in the jaw</li><li>Grating sounds or feelings while moving your mouth</li><li>Your jaw locks opened or closed</li><li>Pain in the cheek muscles</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Neck pain or stiffness</li></ul>It could be TMJ disorder! The TMJ is made of three parts <ol><li>the joint between the skull and the jaw bone (includes a disk)</li><li>the muscles used to chew and talk</li><li>the teeth</li></ol>It can become painful from <ul><li>a direct blow (fall, hit, car accident)</li><li>teeth clenching or grinding</li><li>gum chewing</li><li>stress </li><li>sleeping position</li><li>arthritis</li><li>poor teeth alignment</li></ul>What should you do? <ol><li>See your dentist to rule out dental causes, or to advise you on treatment options</li><li>See your doctor to rule out medical causes</li><li>See a TMJ specialist or a physiotherapist</li></ol>Physiotherapy for TMJ pain <ul><li>accurate diagnosis (including assessment for referred pain)</li><li>hands on and electrotherapeutic techniques for pain relief (massage, mobilization, trigger points)</li><li>anti-inflammatory techniques (without medication)</li><li>self-care techniques and specific home exercises</li><li>postural correction and positions of comfort</li><li>education and questions answered </li></ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/27320058-1652947977189202397?l=southdeltaphysio.blogspot.com'/></div>South Delta Physiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350917276790494770noreply@blogger.com0