There are plenty of articles, studies and books about TMJ however I am going to show the key points about this condition nowadays (August 2024) so you can get a quick idea about the condition and best treatment.
Although there are a great number of muscles in the jaw, face, and head, self-treatment is directed mainly at the two chewing muscles, the temporalis and the masseter. Trigger points in these two muscles, along with those in the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, account for much of the pain in the jaw, face, and head, including the infamous temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We’re going to discuss about this condition today.
A blow to the jaw can injure the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ is one of the most common disorders of the oral cavity apart of acute and chronic pharyngitis, gingivitis, pain after tooth extraction and toothache. The problem with the TMJ is the dysfunction in the joint: the ligaments may become torn, causing the joint to slide in and out of place. The jaw may become stuck in an open position, requiring manipulation to close it.
A very common disturbance to the sphenoid bone is the presence of chronic TMJ and/or teeth clenching (especially during sleep). The constant, usually unilateral pressure on the temporomandibular joint can affect the sphenoid bone enough to create a disturbance in the normal functions of the pituitary gland. In this case, the treatments must concentrate on correcting the TMJ problem.
Preventing TMJ injury is one of the reasons athletes wear mouthpieces. The mouthpiece protects the jaw and teeth and disperses the shock from a blow. However, sustained biting down on the mouthpiece can cause pain and shortening in the muscles of mastication, causing TMJ pain too.
Therefore, prevention might be more of a hassle than the cure itself.
This injury usually heals within 6 to 8 weeks, but a mouthpiece may be necessary to hold the jaw in position until the ligaments heal, therefore surgery might be necessary.
Currently there are different treatments for this condition with some uncertain of the outcome: medication, massages, behavior changes, orthopedic appliances and replacement surgery (with a 90% success rate)
However there is an option to consider: acupuncture.
Recently, a new study has been published showing results of acupuncture for TMJ Disorders and the results are astonishing in regards of providing robust evident supporting the use of acupuncture as an effective treatment for TMJ. The precise needling technique, careful selection of acupoints, and the attainment of de Qi are critical factors contributing to the success of acupuncture in alleviating TMJ symptoms. Therefore, the technique of the acupuncturist makes a relevant difference on the outcome of the treatment.
With TMJ dysfunction, there is commonly also a trigger point in the masseter muscle that is worth treating by means of massage or acupuncture.
Based on my experience treating this condition in my clinic at Clonee Village. I also send some massage exercises to be done at home: this fastens the outcome and reduces the number of acupuncture sessions required for this condition. The massage exercises targets the muscles of mastication. These muscles are the masseter, temporalis and sternocleidomastoid. Muscle shortening, trigger point activity and connective tissue bind can all occur. Intraoral muscles are not easily accessed for massage but can be worked if necessary.
One more thing worthy to mention is that a TMJ operation is often indicative of an underlying adrenal deficiency. Once the underlying deficiency or constitution is determined, it will be easier to find the distal points to treat the scar and the constitutional treatment that eventually lead to full recovery.
In terms of jaw pain or TMJ syndrome, often this occurs in people who have drunk cold water after dental surgery or tooth extraction while the wound is still open. This cold gets into the blood and impairs the circulation. Therefore, one should only drink warm fluids and never cold after oral surgery or a tooth extraction.
If you’re suffering from TMJ or any other condition that affects your mastication, book an appointment here and let’s start your treatment for recovery.
