What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction is a condition affecting the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint / TMJ) and its surrounding ligaments and muscles. As the name suggests, the TMJ connects the temporal bone (skull bone where the ear is located) to the mandible (jaw). The TMJ is responsible for movement of the mouth such as speaking and chewing.

What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

In TMJ dysfunction, the joint becomes irritated or inflamed. It can be caused by:

• Trauma

• Improper biting

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching

• Overuse of the jaw

• Arthritis of the TMJ

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

• Jaw pain and tenderness

• Jaw locking

• Jaw clicks or pops during movement

• Headaches

• Difficulty opening mouth

• Earaches (affects the temporal bone where the ear is located)

• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)

• Facial pain

• Neck or shoulder pain

• Toothache

How is TMJ Dysfunction Diagnosed?

TMJ dysfunction diagnosed with a thorough medical history, physical examination, orthopedic testing, and diagnostic imaging.

• Decrease range of motion upon opening and closing of the mouth

• Pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles

• X-ray, CT, and MRI can be used to visualize the TMJ and the surrounding bones and soft tissue

What are the Treatment Options?

Headache types are often misdiagnosed. At Ngan Chiropractic, we carefully investigate the cause of the headache and treat appropirately. Some options we provide are:

• Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization

• Soft tissue therapies to the surrounding musculature

• Gua-sha

• Cupping

• E-stim

• Ultrasound

• Ergonomic/postural/sleep counseling

• Rehabilitative exercises and stretching

Other treatments that patients may seek (not provided at Ngan Chiropractic) include acupuncture, pain medication, steroid or botox injections, and surgery if severe.  

References

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2. Armijo-Olivo S, Pitance L, Singh V, Neto F, Thie N, Michelotti A. Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Temporomandibular Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2016 Jan;96(1):9-25. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20140548. Epub 2015 Aug 20. PMID: 26294683; PMCID: PMC4706597.

3. Calixtre LB, Moreira RF, Franchini GH, Alburquerque-Sendín F, Oliveira AB. Manual therapy for the management of pain and limited range of motion in subjects with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. J Oral Rehabil. 2015 Nov;42(11):847-61. doi: 10.1111/joor.12321. Epub 2015 Jun 7. PMID: 26059857.

4. Li DTS, Leung YY. Temporomandibular Disorders: Current Concepts and Controversies in Diagnosis and Management. Diagnostics (Basel). 2021 Mar 6;11(3):459. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics11030459. PMID: 33800948; PMCID: PMC8000442.

5. Murphy MK, MacBarb RF, Wong ME, Athanasiou KA. Temporomandibular disorders: a review of etiology, clinical management, and tissue engineering strategies. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2013 Nov-Dec;28(6):e393-414. doi: 10.11607/jomi.te20. PMID: 24278954; PMCID: PMC4349514.

6. Pavia S, Fischer R, Roy R. Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Retrospective Case Series. J Chiropr Med. 2015 Dec;14(4):279-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2015.08.005. Epub 2015 Nov 11. PMID: 26793040; PMCID: PMC4688559.

7. Yakkaphan P, Smith JG, Chana P, Renton T, Lambru G. Temporomandibular disorder and headache prevalence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cephalalgia Reports. 2022;5. doi:10.1177/25158163221097352