TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
- Posted on: Oct 31 2018
One of the most common problems that people are unaware of is TMJ disorder. The Temporomandibular joint is otherwise known as the joint on either side of your jaw. This joint controls the motion at your jaw when you are opening and closing your mouth, as well as moving it in a protrusion, retrusion, and lateral deviation motion. The most common age group for TMJ Disorders is 35-45 years old.
There are many factors that can cause TMJ, which range from arthritis, jaw injury, or people who even grind their teeth. Some of the characteristics of TMJ disorder can be joint noises such as clicking, popping, and crepitation, joint locking and limited flexibility. Additionally, some people may experience decreased strength/endurance of muscles of mastication (chewing) and pain with movement of the mandible.
Poor posture is one of the largest contributing factors to TMJ disorder. Both forward head posture and rounded shoulders can play a role in the mobility of the jaw. At AOSMI, we have many manual techniques and treatment methods to address TMJ disorder. Some of the treatment methods include postural re-education, improving flexibility and muscle strengthening, regaining normal anterior-posterior curves and symmetry of the spine, as well as modalities such as ultrasound, Graston tools, and electrical stimulation. Strapping with Kinesiotape has also been found to be effective in the treatment of TMJ disorders which is an emphasis here at AOSMI.
Here at APMR, we can provide patient with the manual techniques and exercises to alleviate symptoms, improve flexibility and strength, and tools you need to combat TMJ.
Posted in: TMJ Treatment
