Does your Jaw Click? – Temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) pain or clicking
According to the NHS up to 30% of adults suffer from TMD (Temporal mandibular dysfunction, aka jaw joint dysfunction) during their life.
The jaw joint is a hinge joint which allows the lower jaw to move up and down against the fixed upper jaw with a little bit of rotation, allowing us to chew, speak, shout and yawn.
Like other joints in the body the jaw has a small disc of cartilage that cushions and protects the bone. This disc moves backwards and forwards as the lower jaw moves. If the disc becomes displaced it snaps back into place creating a ‘clicking’ sound.
Most people do not notice this with day-to-day speaking or eating however will with more extreme movements. If the cartilaginous disc becomes deformed and doesn’t spring back movement can become reduced and inflammation is common.
What causes TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint) disorders?
Osteoarthritis (OA) can affect any joint overused or poorly functioning for a substantial amount of time. Therefore most commonly OA occurs in older people. The cartilage that cushions the joint can become worn or damaged, causing inflammation and pain
Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis
Traumatic injury can damage the bones of the joint, the cartilaginous disc and/or the alignment of the upper and lower jaw
Overused muscles around the jaw can lead to jaw joint problems, eg regularly chewing gum.
Grinding or clenching teeth is the most common cause of a painful jaw joint, noticeable jaw clicking and the inability to open the mouth fully
Symptoms of TMJ disorders
Clicking of the jaw when it is moving
Feeling as if the jaw is stuck
Restricted jaw movement – not being able to open the mouth to yawn
Pain that feels like it is coming from the jaw joint, or that radiates around and/or into the lower jaw / neck.
If pain is brought on by chewing it may be due to a shortening of the muscle on the dominant side, which can lead to the jaw deviating as the shortened muscle pulls the jaw off to one side.
Should you have experienced a more traumatic blow to the jaw such as a sporting injury or punch to the face the correction may require more work on the TMJ (Temporal mandibular joint and Disc). Often the disc no longer sits in its ‘normal’ position, this can affect the movement of the jaw on opening, so it deviate to one side and/or causes problems with the teeth meeting when biting.
KH Chiropractic Cranbrook near Rockbeare, Exeter helps many people with musculoskeletal problems. Those relating to the muscles, joint and ligaments of the body. Call to book your appointment on 01392 984959 or online here
