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Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), is a term that describes an entire group of disorders involving the temporomandibular joint or joints (TMJ).
The TMJs are the jaw joints. There is one on each side of your head just in front of your ear canals. Like many other joints in the body, they consist of:
- Muscles that control joint movement,
- Ligaments that hold the bones together,
- Cartilage that provides a smooth surface for the bones to move on,
- A disc that helps with proper movement, of the bones,
- Elastic tissue that helps hold the disc in place.
One or more of the above tissues can cause symptoms. In fact, studies suggest that one third of the population at any one time experiences TMJ symptoms such as pain with chewing, yawning, or jaw opening. Women seem to have TMJ problems much more often than men and it is estimated that 3-6% of the population might benefit from treatment.
There are a variety of temporomandibular disorders. The muscles (myogenous), joint(s) (arthrogenous), or a combination of the two may cause pain.
Since physical therapists treat muscle and joint problems, they are ideally suited to address a TMD. Moreover, a majority of patients diagnosed with TMD, also have associated neck pain. Both respond well to treatment provided by a physical therapist. No other healthcare practitioner is better suited to address both the TMD and neck pain.
TMD may appear to be a complex condition and it shouldn’t be. This website and your physical therapist can help to insure the following:
- You are properly educated,
- that your treatment is conservative, cost-effective, and reversible,
goals are realistic, - your examination is brief and meant to identify your source(s) of pain.
When a physical therapist performs the examination, they will be able to classify you as having one or more of the following:
- An inflammatory condition
- Limited jaw range of motion
- Excessive jaw range of motion
- Arthrogenous Disc Displacement
- Jaw muscle pain
- Neck pain causing related headaches (sometimes mistaken as TMD)
Once the involved structures are identified, the therapist will be able to provide you with the appropriate treatment.
If you would like to learn more about how our TMJ specialists can help you out, please give us a call (501) 328-5878.
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Headache Pain
A headache is one of the most common pain-related health problems in both children and adults. You may have a headache along with another minor health problem such as a sore throat, cold, or sinus problem. This usually resolves with treatment for bacterial or viral infection and rest.
Headaches that persist can be a symptom of a more serious condition. If you experience chronic and frequent headaches, see your medical doctor. If your doctor has ruled out a life threatening cause for your headaches, you may be a candidate for physical therapy.
Chronic headaches are often caused by traumatic or over-use injuries to the neck, jaw, or shoulder. Car accidents, athletic injuries, physical abuse, poor work ergonomics, stress, prolonged dental procedures, orthodontia, new glasses, postural abnormalities, and even improper head support while sleeping can cause headaches.
Past patients who responded well to physical therapy frequently reported waking up with a headache that worsened throughout the day. Pain at the base of the skull that radiates over the ear and down toward the shoulder is also a common finding. We have had success treating this type of headache which are often associated with ringing in the ear, jaw pain, an earache and/or dizziness.
Our therapist will discuss with you your current and past symptoms, previous treatments, diagnostic procedures, and your lifestyle habits. A thorough evaluation will be conducted to assess your posture, spine and extremity mobility, muscle quality, and tooth and jaw function.
Based on findings from your evaluation, the therapist will determine if physical therapy is right for your condition. Together, you and your physical therapist will proceed with a comprehensive treatment plan to resolve your symptoms.
Contact us today to schedule your initial evaluation to determine if physical therapy can eliminate your headaches, once and for all. (501) 328-5878
