Tired of living with jaw pain? Relief is within reach - and it might start sooner than you think.
Do you experience jaw pain, stiffness, clicking or restrictions when yawning, talking or chewing? If so, you may be among the millions suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) - affecting 3–12% of the population and three to five times more frequent in women.
The good news is that relief is within reach, thanks to osteopathic treatment. This article explores how osteopathy can alleviate TMD pain and help improve your quality of life.
The TMJ is a synovial hinge joint comprising a joint capsule, articular disc, ligaments, bones and muscles. The hinge connects your jaw to your temporal bones and is an integral part of your skull that helps you chew, swallow and talk. Put simply - it's your jaw joint.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. TMDs can cause chronic discomfort, limited jaw movement and headaches, making everyday activities challenging.
While dental and musculoskeletal issues contribute to jaw pain, research has also revealed a strong connection between TMD and mental health - particularly stress, which has been identified as the most influential factor in developing TMD. Other causes include:
Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to TMD treatment, focusing on the relationship between the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and your overall health. After a thorough case history and physical examination to identify the underlying cause, osteopaths use targeted techniques to:
By addressing both the physical and mental aspects of the condition, osteopathy can help you regain optimal jaw function - yawning, chewing and chatting with ease. Don't let jaw pain hold you back any longer.
Jaw clicking, locking or aching? Emilia has a real knack for this. Come and see us.
Book online