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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

Your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the most used joint within the body. Your TMJs (jaw joints) are involved with eating, speaking, breathing and, probably most importantly, expressing our feelings and emotions.

When things go wrong with your TMJ it's called Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
TMJ Symptoms

You may or may not experience tenderness or jaw pain with TMJ dysfunction. The most common symptoms include:

Clicking,
popping,
Small opening, or
an inability to fully clench your jaw.

TMD sufferers tend to be teeth grinders or clenchers. They can also endure ear pain dizziness, headaches and upper neck pain.

Some TMJ patients report pain or inability to consume, talk or sing. Ear ringing or tinnitus can be connected with TMJ dysfunction. (Vierola et al 2012)
What Can Cause Temporomandibular Disorder?

TMJ dysfunction is recognized as a multifaceted musculoskeletal illness.

Most Common Causes include:

Derangement/displacement of TMJ articular disc
Bruxism: nocturnal grinding of teeth leads to increased pressure in TMJ and move that is asymmetrical.
Occlusal Problems: Inferior sting, Asymmetrical or Retrognathic (underbite, overbite)?.

Contributory factors include:

Mandibular malalignment secondary to orthodontic treatment or occlusal appliance.
Removal of wisdom teeth,
Lengthy mouth opening eg dental procedure,
Poor cervical position,
Neuropsychological factors,
And, pressure
Whiplash and other less common causes include: injury (e.g., strike to the chin), infection, polyarthritic conditions, tumors, and anatomical abnormalities.

TMJ Dysfunction Classifications

The common presentations of TMJ dysfunction might be categorized into three clinical diagnostic groups:

Jaw muscle disorder characterised by movement that was painful.
Articular disc displacement.
Arthralgia or arthritis.


How is TMJ Dysfunction Diagnosed?

TMJ dysfunction could be diagnosed by your TMJ cronulla physiotherapist, a physiotherapist with advanced training in your dental practitioner, jaw dysfunction or oral maxillofacial surgeon. TMD is a clinical movement dysfunction identification. They may recommend dental X-rays, CT scan or MRI to help inquire your state. http://www.cronullaphysiofocus.com.au/ Cronulla Physio Focus (02) 9544 4884, treats TMJ & jaw pain in Cronulla. The office is 3/18 Laycock Ave Cronulla 2230 NSW info@cronullaphysiofocus.com.au
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