Temporo-mandibular Joint Dysfunction
Nearly 70 % of people with neck pain, also have TMD and haven’t been checked for it.
Pain from TMD can lead to decrease in the performance of upper cervical muscles (Subocciptals), and deep neck flexor muscles.
Hallmarks of TMD are, bruxism (Grinding of the teeth), pain, clicking, popping of the joint, dizziness or headaches.
Strains of the muscles that attatch to the TMJ that coommon. The most common ones, that respond well to treatment, are the temporalis, masseter, medial and lateral pterygoid.
Because TMD often manifests similar to disorders caused by the neck it is often missed, yet it is imperative it is screened for.
Targeted Treatments
The most effective treatments for TMD include:
Manual Therapy of the associated muscles.
Trigger Point therapy (Myofascial Release, Dry Needling)
Therapeutic Jaw Exercises
