TMJ Therapy
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull, is one of the most complex joints in your body. It utilizes both a hinge action and sliding motions to enable your jaw to move up and down and side to side. Your lower jaw has rounded ends that move in and out of the joint socket when you perform routine functions such as talking, chewing and yawning. Cartilage covers the bones of the joint, and shock-absorbing disks separate the joint’s ball and socket to ensure that all movements are smooth.
However, when this joint is out of alignment, you can suffer debilitating pain, discomfort, and a loss of function.
What Can Cause TMJ?
Due to the complexity of the TMJ, it is often difficult to determine the exact cause. The condition can develop from an injury to the jaw, TMJ, head muscles or neck muscles. Often, these injuries are caused by a jarring blow or whiplash.
Other possible causes of TMD include:
Misaligned teeth
Pressure on the TMJ caused by grinding or clenching your teeth
Dislocation of the disk separating the ball and socket of the TMJ
Damage to the cartilage of the TMJ caused by arthritis
Stress which may result in a tightening of the facial and jaw muscles
Allergies and breathing problems
Missing teeth