TMJ Dysfunction in Mona Vale
TMJ dysfunction can cause pain, stiffness or clicking around the jaw and may make chewing, speaking or opening your mouth uncomfortable. At Helix Recovery, we assess the jaw, neck and surrounding muscles to identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
What is TMJ Dysfunction ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow the jaw to open, close and move from side to side.
TMJ dysfunction, often referred to as a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), describes a group of problems involving the jaw joints, surrounding muscles or associated structures. Symptoms may develop gradually or following increased clenching, dental procedures, injury or changes in jaw loading.
Common Symptoms
Pain around the jaw or in front of the ear
Jaw stiffness or reduced opening
Clicking, popping or grinding with jaw movement
Pain or fatigue when chewing
Tenderness through the jaw or temple muscles
Headaches associated with jaw tension
Difficulty opening the mouth comfortably
Symptoms associated with clenching or grinding
How We Assess TMJ Dysfunction
Jaw pain can arise from the TMJ itself, the surrounding muscles or other nearby structures, while neck and headache symptoms may also overlap with jaw problems.
Assessment may include jaw opening and movement, TMJ function, muscle tenderness, jaw strength and control, and assessment of the neck where relevant.
The aim is to identify the factors most likely to be contributing to your symptoms and determine which can be addressed through treatment, exercise and changes to jaw loading.
How We Treat TMJ Dysfunction
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Jaw mobility exercises
Jaw strengthening and control exercises
Neck mobility and strengthening
Education and self-management
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Not necessarily. Jaw clicking is common and can occur without pain or loss of function. If clicking is painful, worsening or accompanied by locking or difficulty opening the mouth, it is worth having it assessed.
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Jaw muscle and TMJ symptoms can occur alongside headaches, particularly pain around the temples or sides of the head. Assessment can help determine whether the jaw is likely to be contributing.
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Clenching and grinding can increase the amount of load placed on the jaw muscles and joints and may contribute to symptoms in some people.
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Not everyone with TMJ symptoms requires a mouthguard. If significant grinding or dental factors are involved, assessment by a dentist may be appropriate alongside musculoskeletal management.
Common Questions
Is Jaw Pain Affecting Your Day?
If jaw pain, stiffness or clicking is affecting eating, speaking, sleeping or everyday activities, we can assess what's contributing and develop a treatment and rehabilitation plan.