Understanding TMJ: Causes, Symptoms, and How PT Can Help

Jaw pain, clicking, and headaches could be signs of TMJ disorder. Learn about the common causes and how specialized physical therapy techniques can provide lasting relief.

What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.

Common Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness of your jaw
• Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
• Aching pain in and around your ear
• Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
• Aching facial pain
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
• Clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew

Common Causes

The exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis, or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for TMJ disorders. A physical therapist can help restore the natural movement of your jaw and decrease your pain. Treatments may include:

• Posture Education: Improving resting posture of your jaw, neck, head, and shoulders.
• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and relieve muscle tension.
• Specialized Exercises: Strengthening and flexibility exercises for the jaw muscles.
• Pain Management: Techniques such as heat/ice therapy or ultrasound to reduce inflammation.