Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a broad term for acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. This can include a wide variety of issues affecting the joints, muscles, ligaments and/or nerves of the jaw and face.
The jaw joint is found on both sides of your head and connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones of the skull. The masseter (on the side of your cheek), temporalis (on the side of your head), lateral pterygoid and medial pterygoid (both inside of mouth) muscles help move this joint through it's ranges of motion which include opening and closing the mouth and moving the lower jaw side to side or forward and backward. You can feel this joint by placing your finger tips right in front of your ears and then opening and closing your mouth.
TMD has a wide variety of symptoms that can include:
headaches
ear pain
jaw pain or soreness
difficulty opening and/or closing mouth
tinnitus
dizziness
popping/clicking when opening and/or closing mouth
pain when chewing or biting
TMD is very common and some causes are clenching of the jaw muscles, stress, injury/trauma to the area, teeth grinding and nail biting. While some of the causes are inevitable, it is important to try to figure out the cause of your concerns so that you can work towards relief and possibly prevent it from happening again in the future.
Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue work of the muscles of the temporomandibular joint are some of the ways we can provide relief at Dauntless Sport & Spine Clinic.
If you or someone you know has been dealing with TMD, contact us to learn more!
Until next time,
Dr. Sierra Hanowski