What is TMJD and how can Osteo Health help?
What is TMJD is a question we hear a lot, so let’s find out about its causes, symptoms and treatment.
What is TMJD?
TMJD is short for temporomandibular joint disorder.
You have two temporomandibular joints — one on either side of the jaw. These joints are like sliding hinges that connect your jawbone to your skull.
TMJD is the term used to describe dysfunction or pain in the muscles around the TMJ in the head, neck and jaw or in the jaw joints themselves.
It can affect anyone but is more common in women.
TMJD causes
It can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of TMJD. We know that it can occur if:
- The temporomandibular joint is injured
- Its cartilage is affected by arthritis
- The TMJ disc that divides the joint into two sections is worn or moves out of position
But often, there is no obvious cause for TMJD.
TMJD symptoms relating to the head, neck and jaw muscles
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain
- Ear pain
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Hearing loss
- Sensation of blocked ears
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness in the face or fingertips
- Tooth pain
TMJD symptoms relating to the jaw joints
- Clicking, popping, crackling or other noises when the joints move
- Episodes of the jaw locking open or closed
How can Osteo Health help me with my TMJD?
If you’re living with TMJD, then the chances are you’ll be looking for an effective yet gentle solution for your pain and discomfort.
That’s exactly what we offer here at Osteo Health. We work on the TMJ itself or the facial muscles, neck, shoulders or upper back as required, using non-invasive and effective treatments to relieve your pain and restore you to your best self.
Our TMJD treatment includes:
- Osteopathic adjustments — these are hands-on techniques such as stretching and applying gentle pressure and resistance
- Craniosacral therapy — this gentle technique relieves compression in the bones of the head, sacrum (the triangular-shaped bone at the base of the spine) and spine
- Myofascial release — this is gentle manipulation or massage of the myofascia (the tissue that surrounds your bones and muscles) to release tension
- Laser therapy — this uses low-level lasers to reduce inflammation and edema (build-up of fluid) and stimulate tissue repair
- Ultrasound therapy — ultrasound waves penetrate tissue to stimulate the body’s cells to reduce pain and trigger healing processes
TMJD treatment near me
If you’re looking for a local and professional team who can help you with your TMJD pain, reach out to us here at Osteo Health.
We offer osteopathy in Calgary for a whole range of musculoskeletal disorders, including TMJD.
Call us at 403-814-0404 or book an appointment with us online at osteohealthcalgary.janeapp.com for a gentle solution to TMJD.
Check out our videos on TMJD!
Approved by Indira Ravaeva. Manual Osteopath. Member of National Manual Osteopathic Society and Osteopathy Australia.