Understanding TMJ Disorder and TMD
TMJ is the Temporomandibular Joint commonly known as the jaw joint. It connects your jawbone to your skull on the right and left side of the face. It is a complex joint that helps you move your jaw during function such as eating, speaking and yawning.
TMJ Disorder or Temporomandibular Dysfunction ( TMD) is a musculoskeletal condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles causing pain, stiffness and impaired jaw movement.
Common TMD symptoms:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Locking of the jaws
- Headaches or earaches
- Tinnitus ( ringing in the ears )
The teeth also play an important role because the bite of an individual known as the 'occlusion' can affect the stability of the internal structures within the TMJ and the function of the surrounding muscles of mastication ( chewing muscles ).
The majority of TMD cases are myogenic ( muscular ) in origin but some have progressed to internal derangement within the TMJ and are more challenging to resolve.
Getting timely help for muscular TMD is imperative before it causes degenerative changes within the TMJ resulting in clicking, locking and inflammation.
Optimum TMJ health is determined by harmony between the two jaw joints, surrounding chewing muscles and the bite. It is rare to have complete harmony between these structures but most people are able to function comfortably within their adaptive capacity.
However, there are external factors such as lifesyle, stress and trauma that have a significant influence on how the symptoms of TMD develop and progress. As such, there is no quick fix.
TMJ disorder is a multifactoral condition that requires a multidimensional approach. At Omni Health and Wellness this underpins the foundation of our philosophy.
More Services
TMJ Therapy
TMJ Therapy is the conservative treatment of TMJ pain and disorder (TMD). It involves jaw exercises, trigger point acupuncture, nutrition advice , heat and low level laser therapy. A customised TMJ management protocol is provided to address the specific symptoms.
Occlusal Appliance Therapy
Occlusal appliance Therapy involves the fabrication of a customised bite stabilising mouthguard ( splint) which is worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. The design can vary to suit the specific needs of the patient. It serves to protect the teeth ,preserve the health of the TMJ’s and surrounding muscles.
Sleep Hub
The Sleep Hub addresses the implications of poor sleep quality, a common symptom experienced by patients suffering with TMJ pain and dysfunction. Screening for possible sleep related breathing disorders in addition to optimising sleep hygiene plays a fundamental role in reducing the painful TMJ symptoms and achieving lasting relief.
Wellness Hub
The Wellness Hub serves to optimise TMJ health and general wellbeing. Stress and anxiety play a pivotal role in TMJ disorder. They act as triggers by causing tension and stiffness in the chewing muscles resulting in pain and fatigue. At Omni we understand the impact of stress on your TMJ health.
