The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are your jaw joints that allow your mouth to open, close, move side to side, and forward and backward. Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include locking, clicking, and catching. You might experience pain right at the joint but there is also a correlation between moderate to severe headaches and jaw pain stemming from the TMJ.
The first vertebra of the neck (C1), the bones of the skull, and the jaw are all located in very close in proximity. When there is poor alignment of the jaw or it’s exposed to excessive repetitive forces, such as clenching your teeth, your jaw can refer pain into your head in the form of a headache.
How can physical therapy help?
At Body Gears, we use many techniques and forms of treatment.
These include:
- Hands-on mobilization of the TMJ and cranial bones
- Functional Dry Needling and soft tissue manual therapy to release trigger points in the muscles that control jaw movements
- Correction of C1 alignment and movement restrictions
- Mobilization of the vertebrae in the neck
- Exercises specific to the jaw and neck to improve stability and movement
Our goal is to help you manage and eliminate pain, improve range of motion, increase muscle activation and strength, and restore efficient movement mechanics to get you back to normal function. Long-lasting relief from TMJ pain is on the way with the help of a physical therapist!
Request Free Consult or Contact Us Today at Chicago Lincoln Park, Oak Brook, Oak Park, & Winnetka, IL Centers to learn more about how we can help you get back to the things that matter most and enjoying life without pain.