Pain can develop just about anywhere in your body, and the results can cause problems, regardless of the location. The jaw is one region that doesn’t get discussed as often as more common injury sites like the knees or the neck, but disorders of the jaw are actually more prevalent than you may think. These types of issues—which are called temporomandibular disorders—affect millions of Americans every year and typically cause bothersome symptoms like jaw pain and headaches. The good news is that these jaw problems can be effectively addressed by our Laurel physical therapists with a comprehensive, personalized treatment program that will alleviate your symptoms quickly.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects the part of the skull directly in front of the ears (temporal bone) to the lower jaw (mandible). Temporomandibular disorders, or TMDs, is a general term used to describe a variety of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and jaw movement.

TMDs most frequently affect women and individuals between the ages of 20-40, and the most common sign that a TMD may be present is pain or tenderness in the face, jaw, neck or shoulders. Other symptoms include difficulty opening the mouth wide, locking of the jaw, or a painful clicking, popping or grating when opening and closing the mouth. Some individuals also experience headaches that are very similar to migraines, which results in earaches and pain and pressure behind the eyes. Those who experience these symptoms should be aware that their condition might be diagnosed as a straightforward headache, when the problem is actually related to their jaw.

The definite cause of TMDs is still unclear, but some theories suggest that they may be due to injury in that region, grinding or clenching teeth, osteoarthritis, stress, or some combination of these factors. Whatever the cause, TMDs can be a nuisance to your daily life and make basic everyday tasks a major challenge. Fortunately, our Laurel physical therapists at CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services see patients with TMDs often and know how to effectively mange them with a variety of strategies. We have also welcomed Dr. Kristen McMahon to the staff at our Laurel location, who is a specialist in TMDs that offers the most up-to-date and proven treatments available to correct them.

Treatment highlights provided by our Laurel physical therapists for TMDs

• Both heat and ice therapy are typically used to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain
• Focused training will also be given to improve posture and correct jaw alignment
• Your physical therapist will massage the jaw to relieve muscle tension
• Patients will be instructed to perform specific movements of the TMJ to release scar tissue that restricts muscle movement and to improve range of motion
• Ultrasound therapy, which uses high-frequency sound waves directed to the TMJ, may also be used to reduce pain and swelling, and improve circulation
• In some cases, acupuncture may be used to bring about greater pain reductions

TMDs may not be talked about all that often, but if you happen to experience one, you’ll quickly realize how important it is to get effective treatment, and fast. This is what our Laurel physical therapists provide at CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services, and we encourage you to take advantage of these services for the quickest route to a positive outcome. Call us at 301-776-9443 to schedule an appointment at any of our three clinics in Laurel, Hyattsville or Glenn Dale/Bowie, or click here for more information on TMDs.