ORAL FACIAL PAIN AND HEADACHES

TMJ Disorder

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is one of the most used and most complex joints in our bodies. Like all joints, there are multiple muscles, tendons, ligaments, and discs that can become irritated, injured, or inflamed. This can lead to TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, which is any dysfunction of the TMJ. These dysfunctions can come from factors such as nail-biting, gum chewing, teeth grinding (bruxism), teeth clenching, trauma, whiplash, and/or stress. YES, STRESS! Patients experience many symptoms from TMD. Some are:

Pain when eating, smiling, yawning, talking, etc.
Headaches
Ear pain and ringing in the ears
Face pain
Tooth pain
Popping and/or clicking in joint
Jaw locked closed or open
Neck pain

What can a physical therapist do to help my TMJ problems and headaches?

Here at SBPMC, our therapists are credentialed in many techniques to treat TMD pathologies. Treatment interventions include but are not limited to:
- Triggerpoint Dry Needling (TDN)
- Manual techniques: mobilizations, manipulations, soft tissue work
- Patient education and self-management
- Cognitive and behavioral intervention
- Relaxation techniques
- Postural re-education
- Stretching/strengthening
- Physical activity

You and your therapists will get to the root of your TMD problems and customize a plan to fix it.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Sensitive sites on the muscles are referred to as trigger points. Chronic pain and sensitivity caused by these trigger points can develop in any muscle in the body including the muscles of the neck and face. These trigger points can create referred pain to surrounding muscles which can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly where the pain is originating. Methods of treatment available include exercises and stretches, massage or manual therapy. To find out the best treatment option for your needs, talk to your doctor. Headaches and jaw or facial pain do not have to be a normal occurrence for you.