Have you said or heard somebody say “I have TMJ!”
It’s a longstanding joke between physical therapists that everyone has TMJ! TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the joint between our temporal bone and lower jaw bone. sometimes this joint can become dysfunctional and TMJD occurs.
What classifies as TMJD you ask?
The short answer is a lot can. These are a few signs and symptoms that imply definite to potential “TMJD.”
General jaw pain or face pain. If you have pain directly over the jaw or into the cheek, it is likely related to the TMJ. Whether the pain is when resting or moving your month, this warrants treatment.
Clicking and/or popping in the jaw. If you have clicking when you open or close your mouth, it is a form of TMJD. If you have clicking without pain, it doesn’t always warrant treatment.
Abnormal movements when moving your jaw. Look in a mirror and open and close your mouth. Does it deviate to one side? Does your jaw create an “S”-like movement or wiggle? Like the clicking and/or popping, abnormal movements doesn’t always warrant treatment.
Locking of the jaw. Without a doubt, this is TMJD at it’s finest. This is when your mouth is stuck open or shut. This absolutely warrants assessment as it is extremely functionally limting.
Ear symptoms such as pain, noises, or “fullness”. This may or may not be TMJD. It’s important to talk to your primary care about these symptoms to figure this out before saying it’s TMJD. It could be TMJD, though! Especially if all ear-things are ruled out.
Neck pain. Like ear pain, this may or may not be related to TMJD. They are extremely closely linked. A lot of the time, confirmed jaw problems also have upper neck problems. However, you can have neck pain without a strong case of TMJD. This warrants assessment and treatment.
Jaw grinding/”bruxism”. Whether you have pain or not with this, if you’ve been told you grind your teeth (medical term is bruxism), you have a form of TMJD. This warrants treatment. Make sure your dentist is monitoring this at the least.
Difficulty or pain with eating. If you have pain in your jaw or face region when you eat or notice things like an inability to fit “normal” foods in your mouth (the size of a standard sandwich), you likely have TMJD.
Inability to open your mouth fully. What is “fully” you ask? Take three knuckles and try to fit them in your mouth. Do they fit? If they don’t, you have a restriction related to the jaw.
There are other signs and symptoms that could indicate TMJD that are not mentioned here. Remember, despite this being a physical therapy blog, this is still “google”! Don’t diagnose yourself. Talk to a healthcare provider like a physical therapist to help. Healthcare providers that are involved with the treatment of TMJD include physical therapists (yay!), dentists, “TMJ specialists”, orthodontists, primary care providers, ENT’s (ear nose and throat doctors), and more.
Let us help you and your potential TMJD. Depending on your insurance, we CAN be your first point of contact for your TMJD. We can and will recommend other providers if we feel you need additional help outside of physical therapy. info@wholebodyhealthpt.com