My jaw hurts and clicks sometimes.
If you're experiencing jaw pain, you might be wondering if you have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). These disorders can cause discomfort and make it difficult to eat or speak. While only a doctor or dentist can diagnose TMJD, some signs could indicate that it's the cause of your jaw pain. TMJD often causes pain or discomfort when you open or close your mouth, chew, or speak. If your jaw clicks, pops, or locks when you move it, this could also be a sign. Some people experience headaches, earaches, or neck pain associated with TMJD. It's important to reach out to a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your jaw pain. They can examine you and provide a diagnosis as well as recommendations for treatment.
Personally my experience with TMJD is thankfully from a long time ago. When I was in high school I was hit in the side of the face with a soccer ball before a game and yes like in the cartoons I spun around and fell to the ground. That guy could kick. For a while after, I noticed that it hurt when I opened my mouth all the way and there was a funny clicking sound when I closed it.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
TMJ refers to a large range of conditions and affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Basically anything that inhibits or causes pain at this joint can be caused by either injury or TMJD. Stress, muscle tension, teeth grinding, jaw clenching and misaligned bite all can contribute to pain or limitations in this joint.
Symptoms of TMJD include:
-pain or tenderness in the jaw joint
-popping or clicking when opening or closing the mouth
-difficulty in opening the mouth fully
-tightening or spasm of the jaw muscles
-headaches or earaches
TMJD can be treated in several ways, depending on the severity of the condition. Some conservative treatment options include jaw exercises, stretching, and applying heat or ice to the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers and muscle relaxants may also help reduce symptoms.
For persistent pain more drastic measures may be needed
Can Neurosomatic massage therapy help with TMJD?
Neurosomatic Massage Therapy can reduce pain and tension in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders that can contribute to TMJD. We accomplish this at Optimal Performance Massage Therapy by looking at and measuring the relative position of the bones in the skull and your overall posture to pinpoint where we need to apply massage therapy techniques. You might be thinking how does my posture make my jaw hurt? That’s a great question. The overall posture of your body can apply in appropriate tension to your skull, this tension can start to pull on the different bones in your skull causing your jaw to create painful movement patterns. Massage therapy for TMJD often involves working the deep muscles in the front of your neck and even muscles within your mouth. (WITH GLOVES OF COURSE).
In addition, massage therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety that can make TMJD symptoms worse. Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension all over the body, including the jaw muscles, leading to TMJD pain and discomfort.
Neurosomatic Massage Therapy can be an effective treatment option for TMJD by reducing pain, tension, and stress. It's important to work with a licensed and experienced massage therapist that understands the specific needs of TMJD patients and can develop a treatment plan tailored to each individual.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms click contact us for more information.
