TMJ Dysfunction Riverside, Corona, Chino, Redlands, and Beaumont, CA

TMJ Dysfunction

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Are you having difficulty chewing or yawning? Do you have jaw pain? Do you hear a clicking noise when you open and shut your mouth? If so, these may all be symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ dysfunction, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. This can make it very difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, and chew.

The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. If there is an injury to this joint or it becomes damaged in any way, TMJ dysfunction may develop. It’s important to realize that the temporomandibular joint is a complex and important structure comprised of bones, tendons, and muscles that may cause you to feel pain on one or both sides of the jaw. If you are suffering from TMJ dysfunction, contact Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center to schedule an appointment and find relief.

How is TMJ dysfunction diagnosed?

There is no single method or surefire way of diagnosing TMJ dysfunction. If you believe you may be suffering from this condition, a medical professional will analyze your medical history and perform a physical exam. Your physician may also send you to an otolaryngologist or a dentist specializing in jaw disorders. The idea is to rule out other medical problems before diagnosing the patient with TMJ dysfunction, as the symptoms may also be due to a condition known as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disease, or even swollen lymph nodes. Once your diagnosis has been determined, you will be treated based on the nature of your symptoms.

Symptoms of this TMJ dysfunction include pain in the jaw, jaw popping, headaches, sore jaw muscles, locking of the jaw, pain in the temple, and earaches. Some common causes of TMJ include misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding, or a jaw injury.

How to treat TMJ dysfunction?

Some people respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin. Others use home remedies to treat their TMJ dysfunction. Applying ice packs directly to the jaw joint can also help relieve pain. You may also find temporary relief through sedative essential oils, such as clary sage or lavender. When home remedies don’t work at providing relief, medical intervention may be necessary. Strong muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medications are one of the common alternatives. A jaw specialist may also use a dental splint to keep teeth properly aligned and prevent tooth grinding. Other types of medical treatment include trigger point acupuncture, joint replacement, or a TMJ arthroscopy.

However, if you want to avoid taking pain-relieving medication and use a more holistic approach, physical therapy is perhaps one of the most effective treatments for TMJ dysfunction. Our Physical Therpists will do a comprehensive evaluation of the neck, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine. This is done to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms. Afterward, one of our dedicated Riverside, Corona, Chino, Redlands, and Beaumont, CA physical therapists will create a treatment plan based on the nature of your symptoms and your specific needs.

Our physical therapist will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas surrounding your neck and head. The goal of physical therapy is to restore your normal function and the interaction of the jaw muscles and joints. Your treatment plan may consist of any combination of methods and modalities. TMJ therapy consists of jaw exercises, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound.

Contact Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center for relief:

If you are suffering from TMJ dysfunction contact our Riverside, Corona, Chino, Redlands, and Beaumont, CA physical therapy practice today. Our physical therapists are patient-centric and committed to your health, working hard to help you manage and eliminate symptoms. Don’t suffer from jaw pain and stiffness any longer – contact Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center today.

Your Next Steps…

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

START YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY TODAY!