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Jaw Pain
The jaw (temporomandibular joint) has many structures that help us smile, chew and use our mouth. Joint itself includes the bony parts of our jaw bone (mandible) and temporal bone, a disc, and a joint capsule. Muscles and fascia support the joint, and some of these tissues attach into the capsule and disc of the TM joint. When the muscles and joints do not work together, a number of issues can occur, including:
- Lock Jaw
- Jaw clicking
- TMJ Pain
Jaw Clicking
If the muscles and joint don’t work well together, the disc may move and create a clicking sound or sensation. A clicking sound may also be related to muscular tension and structures rubbing against each other. In some cases, the click is not painful and feels normal for you, so it may not be a concern, home program can often help manage this well.
A physiotherapist assesses which structures are creating the click and applies manual therapy to your jaw and neck. This is often combined with a retraining program.
TMJ Pain – Temporomandibular Joint Pain
TMJ pain or TMD (Temporomandibular dysfunction) is present in 10% of the Australian adult population. TMJ pain and orofacial pain can be debilitating as clicking, locking, loss of range, pain, clenching or grinding and headaches restrict mouth and facial movements hampering our ability to eat, smile and communicate. It is not uncommon for patients to experience neck pain in addition to their jaw pain. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists assess and treat TMJ pain effectively. Physiotherapy TMJ treatment involves muscle techniques to those around the jaw and face, joint mobilisations of the jaw and cervical spine. Mobilisations of the jaw may also involve treatment inside the mouth so your physiotherapist may wear gloves during the session.
Lock Jaw
Lock jaw is an experience where you may find yourself where to find that your mouth is either stuck open, or stuck closed. This can be uncomfortable and can be caused by either muscular dysfunction or the disc in your jaw being in a position that doesn’t allow the jaw to close (or open). You may require treatment to assist you.
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Performance Medicine
