Temporomandibular Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to the dysfunction or injury of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its related structures, including the articular disc, masticatory muscles, and surrounding nerves. Patients may experience jaw pain while chewing, clicking or popping noises, uneven jaw movement when opening or closing, and facial or chin asymmetry. The pathological mechanisms mainly involve the following aspects:

Joint Structural Abnormalities: Displacement or degeneration of the articular disc and wear of the joint surfaces, affecting normal joint movement.

Muscle Dysfunction: Overactivity or imbalance in the function of masticatory muscles (such as the masseter and pterygoid muscles).

Nerve and Fascia Effects: Inflammation or pressure in the peripheral tissues transmitted to the joint, leading to pain or dysfunction.

Causes

• Poor Lifestyle Habits

  Long-term chewing of hard foods, unilateral chewing, or nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism)

  
  

• Postural Abnormalities

  Forward head posture or kyphosis leading to prolonged pressure on the neck and jaw muscles, indirectly affecting the temporomandibular joint

  
  

• External Force Injuries

  The jaw has previously experienced impact or trauma

  
  

• Psychological Stress

  Tension or anxiety causing unconscious contraction of the masseter muscles, which increases the load on the joint

  
  

• Dental Factors

  Malocclusion or missing teeth leading to uneven distribution of chewing forces

  
  

Symptoms

• Pain

  Local pain in the temporomandibular joint area, around the ears, or facial pain, potentially radiating to the neck or head

  
  

• Joint Sounds

  Clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth, indicating disc displacement or friction

  
  

• Limited Mobility

  Difficulty in opening the mouth, jaw "locking," or chewing difficulties

  
  

• Accompanying Symptoms

  Headaches (especially at the temples), tinnitus, ear pain, or fatigue while chewing

Treatment

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing TMD, aiming to relieve pain, restore joint function, and improve quality of life. Below are common treatment methods:

• Manual Therapy

Targeting the masticatory muscles, pterygoid muscles, and neck muscle groups to improve abnormal muscle tension and circulation; also includes joint mobilization to promote normal TMJ activity.

• Exercise Therapy

Instructing patients on jaw relaxation exercises and neck posture correction to reduce the impact of forward head posture on the joint.

• Thermotherapy

Heat therapy promotes muscle relaxation and improved blood flow; cold therapy is used during acute inflammation to reduce swelling and pain.

• Shockwave Therapy

Stimulating local tissue repair while eliminating chronic nodules in fascia or muscles.

• Ultrasound Therapy

Using high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep tissues, soften the stiff soft tissues around the joint and improve inflammation.

• Acupuncture: Principle

Stimulating specific acupoints to regulate blood circulation in the head, neck, and face, alleviating muscle tension and pain; particularly effective for patients with accompanying headaches and difficulty opening the mouth.

Potential consequences of not treating early

If not treated promptly, the condition may worsen, leading to the following consequences:

• Joint Degeneration

Increased wear on the articular disc or progression to osteoarthritis, resulting in permanent functional impairment.

• Functional Impairment

Reduced range of mouth opening, affecting eating, speech, and daily activities.

• Psychological Impact

Chronic pain and discomfort may trigger anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders.

• Complications

Worsening of headaches, tinnitus, or neck stiffness, further reducing quality of life.

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The above content is for reference only. Readers should consult relevant medical personnel, as timely and effective treatment can only be achieved through detailed examination and diagnosis.

@DOCTORFIX CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC