The temporomandibular joint, a ball and socket structure located on either side of your head, can suffer from a number of inflammatory disorders. The TMJ attaches the mandible and temporal bones to the skull and facilitates the opening and closing of your mouth as well as rotation and lateral movements of the lower jaw. Disorders of the TMJ can occur as a result of dental problems, teeth grinding, jaw injuries, whiplash, emotional stress and bad posture. These can cause referred pain in various parts of your body, making them difficult to diagnose and a challenge to treat.
Symptoms and Causes
TMJ disorders develop when tissues surrounding the TMJ become inflamed. Mayofascial trigger points in the neck and jaw develop as a result, causing referred acute and chronic pain. These can give rise to teeth sensitivities, ear problems, headaches, facial nerve pain and muscular aches in the neck and shoulder region. Restricted range of motion in the jaw and a popping and clicking sound when opening and closing your mouth are characteristic of TMJ disorders, and chewing and biting may be difficult. The American Academy of Otolaryngology lists teeth grinding, arthritis, minor or major jaw trauma and misaligned teeth as possible causes.
Bad Posture
Bad posture is another cause of TMJ disorders, and practicing proper posture can help prevent and relieve painful symptoms. A neutral spine, as the Spine Universe website explains, defines ideal posture. The spine should consist of three curves, with the base of the neck slightly curved inward, the mid section rounded outward, and the lower back slightly curved in. Dropping your chin down and thrusting your head forward or hunching your shoulders and pushing your hips too far forward or back demonstrate bad posture. Spending excessive periods sitting with your back bent over your desk and long-distance driving put strain on your myofascial structure and spine. Sleeping on the wrong type of mattress or constantly wearing high-heeled shoes also promote bad posture. Bad posture causes inflammation in the tissues surrounding your TMJ, which promotes TMJ disorders.
Diagnosis
The deceptive nature of TMJ disorders is due to it mimicking a myriad of symptoms, according to Dr. Leonard Feld, dental specialist and co-founder of the TMJ & Sleep Medicine Network, in a Healthy Times Online article. If you suspect you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder, consult your physician or a neuromuscular-trained dentist for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
Prevention/Solution
Physical therapy may reduce symptoms associated with TMJ disorders to help alleviate pain. Massage helps release tight and knotted muscles and trigger points located around the jaw and neck, easing referred pain. Regular yoga practice helps reduce pain, while improving your posture. Tias Little, yoga teacher and licensed massage therapist, recommends specific poses to help sufferers of TMJ disorders in an article on the Yoga Journal website. The Downward Facing Dog, he says, facilitates the delivery of blood and lymph to the cranium to nourish the TMJ and surrounding areas. Raising your legs and placing them against a wall also promotes circulation to this area. The grinding of teeth can be hastened by wearing bite guards while sleeping, although MayoClinic.com warns that these can encourage sleep apnea symptoms.
Medical Treatment
To treat disorders of the TMJ, physicians may prescribe painkillers, corticosteroids, botulinum toxin and muscle relaxants, according to MayoClinic.com. Surgery is another option, but is viewed as being a drastic measure and a last resort.
