TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment Mt Gravatt
TMJ and jaw pain care that treats the cause, not just the symptoms.
Struggling with TMJ Pain? There May Be a Way Forward
For many, jaw pain is a debilitating condition that can affect eating, talking, and even sleeping. It often stems from issues within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the hinge-like structure that connects our jaws to our skulls.
While seeing a physio in Mt Gravatt is not the first health professional that springs to mind when you’re experiencing this sort of pain, physiotherapy may actually play an important role in managing and alleviating TMJ dysfunction.
Causes of Jaw Pain
Anyone can experience jaw pain, though it seems to affect more women than men. There are several potential causes for TMJ, including:
- Direct trauma to the face or jaw (as in the case of a sports injury or car accident)
- Increased stress
- Poor posture
- Genetic predisposition
- Arthritis
- Disc tears or movement disorders
- Occlusal problems (such as poor bite, overbite, or underbite)
- Dental procedures (such as wisdom teeth removal or orthodontic work)
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (also known as bruxism, which may also be a symptom of TMJ)
There is a shock-absorbing disc located inside the jaw and, when it moves out of alignment, it might cause a clicking and/or grinding sensation when the mouth is opened.
Jaw Pain Symptoms
If you’re suffering from TMJ dysfunction, there are several symptoms that you may experience:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, teeth, or ear
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Locked jaw
- Clicking or locking
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Eating difficulties
- Temporal headache
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Muscle spasm
- Facial deformity and/or swelling
There are four main categories of jaw pain: articular pain (which originates from the joint), myofascial pain (which originates from the muscles and fascia), complex pain with multiple contributing factors, and nerve pain. One or more of these categories can, and often do, co-exist.
TMJ and Jaw Pain Treatments
There are many treatment options that may help alleviate TMJ and jaw pain and prevent recurrence. These include:
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist may use gentle joint mobilisation techniques, remedial massage, neck treatment, heat therapy, and/or dry needling on the affected muscles.
Naturopathy
A naturopathy session may focus on stress management, dietary changes, manual therapies, and targeted supplements to address your jaw pain.
Acupuncture
Many people find acupuncture helpful in relieving jaw pain. Thin needles are inserted at specific points around the face, jaw, and other body parts.
Lifestyle Advice
Your clinician may also provide advice on exercises and stretches to perform at home, maintaining good posture and sleeping positions, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ dysfunction go away on its own?
While mild cases of dysfunction may resolve on their own with rest and self-care, persistent or severe symptoms will generally require treatment. It’s also important to note that early intervention may prevent the condition from worsening, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments down the line.
How can I prevent TMJ issues from recurring?
There are several steps you may be able to take to prevent jaw pain from returning, including:
- Maintaining good posture
- Managing stress
- Avoiding overly hard or chewy food
- Performing your prescribed jaw exercises
Some people may also benefit from regular follow-ups with their physiotherapist to monitor progress and for long-term management.
How long does it take to recover from jaw pain?
While the recovery timeframe will differ for each person depending on the severity of their condition and their individual response to treatment, most patients begin to notice improvements in pain and function within a few weeks. Many feel they are back to normal function (or as close as they can get) after a few months of consistent therapy.
Why Choose Us
Experienced Practitioners
Our team is highly trained and experienced in their specific areas of health, from physiotherapy to naturopathy. We also undergo regular upskilling to ensure we stay up to date with industry changes.
Holistic Approach
We’re committed to taking a holistic approach to treatment that considers the whole person rather than just their symptoms. We utilise skills from all areas of life to ensure that you’re supported in recovery.
Personalised Treatment Plans
All of our treatment plans are personalised to suit your specific needs and goals. Your progress is continually monitored, and your plan is adjusted to ensure you continue to achieve the best possible results from treatment.
Let’s Address Your Jaw Pain Together
TMJ dysfunction doesn’t have to be something you ‘just live with’. TMJ care looks at more than just your jaw; it considers posture, stress, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing.
If jaw pain is affecting your daily life, the dedicated practitioners at A Pinch of Prevention are here to help you find lasting relief through gentle, personalised treatment. Book an appointment and take the first step today.