TMJ pain can be a real headache, but if you have a TMJ - that’s actually a great thing. You see, TMJ actually stands for TemporoMandibular Joint. These joints are important for eating, speaking and opening/ closing our mouth. It’s when you have TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) or TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) that we have a concern. This occurs when there is pain, discomfort or limited mobility in the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. Very commonly, we will find TMJ concerns grouped in with neck pain and headaches. TMJ dysfunction can also be related to ringing in the ears (tinnitus), toothaches, earaches and more. The great news is that when treated properly, you can usually knock out these symptoms all at once!

What causes TMJ Pain?

• Clenching the jaw

• Grinding the teeth

• Muscle tension from stress

•  Previous injury to the jaw or neck 

  • Ex.: whiplash

• Poor posture 

  • Forward head carriage and slumped shoulders

• Shallow breathing patterns

  • Using the superficial muscles of the neck vs allowing for rib expansion

• Possible issues further down the chain

  • Core stability, SI joint issues and ankle instability

How is TMJ dysfunction related to headaches and neck pain?

Clinically, we commonly find that there is tension in the superficial neck musculature (tight traps, front of the neck, etc.) and a decrease in activity of the deep neck musculature. We also find that the upper neck and even other areas within the spine, are commonly restricted as well. The muscles that become tense due to stress, injury or posture contribute to tension surrounding the temporomandibular joint. This extra tension can lead to headaches and neck pain. This is why we take an overall approach and look at surrounding tissues and areas versus JUST looking at the area of pain. 

What can be done to help TMJ pain?

As always, massage techniques and stretching do a fair bit to relieve pain in the short term. However, addressing the underlying structural cause is of the utmost importance. We take a full body approach to address biomechanics, breathing patterns, and take an extensive history. We then will commonly work on:

• Exercises to get deep neck flexors on board

• Gentle work to the hard palate and muscles of the jaw

• Diaphragmatic breathing vs superficial breathing

• Core stability work

We also commonly coordinate care with a dentist and physical therapist to manage TMJ pain and dysfunction when needed and love taking a team approach!

Schedule an appointment today online or by calling or texting our office at (720) 403-8255.

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XO, The Well Spine Team