Understanding and Managing Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Written By Kyle Behl

What is TMD?

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a group of over 30 distinct conditions that affect the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control your jaw movement.

  • The TMJ is the complex hinge on each side of your face that connects your lower jaw to your skull, essential for speaking and chewing.

  • TMD refers to the pain and functional problems that arise in this area.

TMD is a common health issue, affecting an estimated 11 to 12 million adults in the U.S., and is twice as common in women, particularly between the ages of 35 and 44.Common Symptoms

If you have TMD, you may experience one or more of these cardinal signs:

  • Pain: A persistent ache or sharp pain localized in the jaw joint, chewing muscles, or face and neck.

  • Functional Limitation: Jaw stiffness, limited mouth opening, or difficulty chewing. In some cases, the jaw may feel locked.

  • Joint Sounds: Clicking, popping, or grating sounds during jaw movement. (Note: Sounds without pain are generally considered normal and do not require treatment.)

  • Referred Symptoms: Headaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or dizziness.

Causes of TMD

TMD is considered multifactorial, meaning it results from a combination of issues:

  • Muscle Tension (Parafunctional Habits): Behaviors like teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism) induce tension and fatigue in the jaw muscles. This is the most common form, often called Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

  • Trauma and Injury: Direct injury to the jaw or prolonged, extreme mouth opening (e.g., during some dental or medical procedures).

  • Joint Issues: Problems within the joint structure itself, such as a displaced disc (internal derangement) or degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis.

  • Systemic Factors: A complex interaction of genetic factors, stress, anxiety, and other systemic diseases (like Fibromyalgia or various forms of arthritis).

Treatment and Management: A Conservative Approach

Initial management for TMD is always conservative and reversible, as symptoms often resolve on their own.

1. Foundational Self-Care

Simple strategies are the cornerstone of long-term relief:

  • Thermal Application: Use moist heat for muscle aches and cold packs for sharp, occasional pain to reduce inflammation.

  • Behavioral Modification:

    • Maintain a soft diet (soups, eggs, yogurt) to rest the jaw.

    • Practice "jaw rest" by keeping your upper and lower teeth slightly separated.

    • Limit activities that require wide mouth opening (yawning, yelling).

    • Avoid caffeine, which can increase muscle tension.

2. Professional Therapies: If self-care is not sufficient, treatment is tailored to the specific diagnosis (muscle vs. joint problem).

  • Physical Therapy & Exercise: Restoring function and mobility

    • Includes hands-on techniques (Manual Therapy) and specific jaw exercises (like the Rocabado 6x6 Exercises) to improve muscle coordination and posture.

  • Occlusal Splints: Managing habits and protecting the jointNon-invasive oral appliances (mouthguards) used to reduce the effects of bruxism and associated headaches.

  • Dry Needling (DN) Targeting localized muscle pain. Minimally invasive technique to quickly resolve painful muscle "trigger points" (knots) for rapid pain reduction.

  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) Tissue healing and chronic pain. Uses acoustic waves to promote regeneration in joint tissues (cartilage/bone) and provides broad analgesia (pain relief).

  • Medication Pain and inflammation control. Includes Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for acute pain, muscle relaxants for short-term spasms, and sometimes neuro-modulators for chronic, centralized pain.Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing? These could be signs of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), a condition that affects your jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

    Are you needing more comprehensive care for your jaw pain or discomfort? At Empower Physiotherapy and Wellness, we provide thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and create personalized treatment plans tailored specifically to your needs.

    Our advanced physical therapy services include effective treatments such as dry needling and shockwave therapy. Dry needling targets trigger points to relieve muscle tension and reduce pain, while shockwave therapy promotes healing and improves joint function. These cutting-edge therapies can help restore your jaw mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance your quality of life.

    Don’t let TMD disrupt your daily activities. Schedule an evaluation with our skilled therapist at Empower Physiotherapy and Wellness in Brookings, SD, and take the first step toward lasting relief and improved jaw health. Your recovery is our priority.

    Book your appointment today.

Kyle Behl