Jaw pain, clinically referred to as Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and affects many of the population.
What is TMJ pain?
TMJ / Jaw pain is discomfort in the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain.
What causes TMJ/ jaw pain?
There are many causes of jaw pain, including:
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Stress
Arthritis
Injury to the jaw
Sinusitis
Earache
What are the symptoms of TMJ/ jaw pain?
The symptoms of jaw pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common symptoms include:
Pain in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles
Difficulty chewing
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Limited jaw movement
Earache
Facial pain
Headache
Pain in this area can stem from many factors like stress, teeth grinding, or injury. Often TMD effects women more commonly than men, it can also be genetic or impacted by your hormones, who knew ?!.
How is jaw pain treated?
There are a number of treatments for jaw pain, depending on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:
Self-care measures, such as applying heat or ice to the jaw, eating soft foods, and avoiding chewing gum
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Muscle relaxants
Nightguards to prevent teeth grinding
REMEDIAL MASSAGE
Surgery (in rare cases)
Amidst various treatments, remedial massage therapy stands out as a potent yet often overlooked remedy.
Understanding Jaw Pain:
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) serves as a vital hinge connecting the jaw to the skull's temporal bones. Dysfunction or injury to this joint results in discomfort, stiffness, clicking sounds, and limited jaw movement.
5 Benefits of Remedial Massage:
Muscle Relaxation: Targeting jaw muscles like the masseter and temporalis, remedial massage alleviates tension caused by stress, clenching, or poor posture, promoting relaxation.
Improved Range of Motion: By enhancing flexibility and mobility in the jaw joint, remedial massage facilitates smoother, pain-free movements essential for daily activities.
Stress Reduction: Addressing physical tension and emotional stress, remedial massage releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, fostering holistic relief for jaw pain sufferers.
Enhanced Circulation: Stimulating blood flow to the jaw area promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and flushes out toxins, further mitigating pain and discomfort.
Postural Correction: Targeted techniques help realign the body, especially in the neck and shoulders, reducing strain on jaw muscles exacerbated by poor posture.
What do we recommend?
Remedial Massage Therapy emerges as a non-invasive, holistic approach to alleviate jaw pain and enhance the quality of life for TMD sufferers. By addressing muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and improving circulation, it targets the root causes of jaw pain while nurturing overall physical and emotional well-being. ISABEL our Remedial Massage Therapist at MOVE, has a passion for helping those with TMD.
If you or a loved one experience jaw pain and seek an effective, soothing solution? Isabel, our dedicated Remedial Massage Therapist at MOVE, is passionate about helping you find relief and enjoy a pain-free life. She recommends booking an initial remedial massage therapy session, where she will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Are you ready to get MOVING? Book now with us!