Deep Dive: TMJ Dysfunction
This week and last, we have been diving into TMJ Dysfunction and how massage can help. Yesterday, Nikki taught a self-massage technique that you can use at home to help yourself! You find that video on our YouTube channel, here. We have already had a few comments letting us know that the technique really helped and it benefiting those who try it. We recommend going check that out!
What is TMJD?
But back to this blog. First of all, let’s answer this: What is TMJ Dysfunction, or TMJD? TMJ stands for tempromandibular joint, which is the joint that opens and closes your jaw. It’s right under your ear, and many of you experience clicking, pain, tension, having trouble eating certain foods, and more, when it is tight and has dysfunction. Many people will just say they have TMJ, but everyone does, haha! We need to add the D to specify having dysfunction in this area.
What causes TMJD?
So what causes that darn TMJ dysfunction anyway? From our standpoint, with the work we do, it's most likely referred pain from trigger points. The thing is, the trigger points are located elsewhere, most likely in your face, head, neck, and shoulders. The pain from the trigger points causes all the symptoms you’re feeling including jaw pain, clicking in the jaw, headaches and not being able to fully open your mouth. Taking it one step further, what causes the trigger points that causes the TMJ pain? Excessive chewing, i.e. chewing gum, stress, clenching at night/teeth grinding, mouth breathing, dental problems/dental work and poor posture .
How can we help?
As massage therapists, we will go right to Trigger Point Therapy (our favorite at Encompass) to release trigger points and decrease tension, all throughout the area. This means that we will work the head, face, neck and probably shoulders too. The tension could be referring pain from all over, and we want to make sure we access and release any tension that may be related to your TMJD. Of course, we will relax the area first, then start going deeper with the TRP techniques. Trigger Points that are relate to TMJD will most likely be found in your scalp, and cheeks, as well as your neck. If you watch the video on Self-Massage that we mentioned above, that is also a very important technique we incorporate into our work. All of this will allow the muscles to relax and release, releasing your pain, and allowing the jaw to do its job as it needs to. You will probably feel immediate release, and less pain!
How can I prevent the pain from coming back?
We don’t necessarily know exactly what caused your pain- but you might! Most people who have pain here have a pretty good idea of what sets it off. Staying away from those activities that cause pain is one the of the best things you can do. If gum chewing, or eating hard food really contributes, try to lay off as much as possible. Stress that turns to clenching is very common, and that is harder to stop. Finding stress relievers that work for you should be your goal. We suggest trying meditation, journaling, getting out to exercise and eating well. Vitamins also help me feel much better and less stress or have less anxiety. What works for you? Implement that more!
That’s what we have for you regarding TMJ Dysfunction! If you have any questions whatsoever, comment below! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you also want more direction on this. If you haven’t yet, try the self-massage! Otherwise getting on one of our schedules is very beneficial as well.
XO,
Nikki