Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and physical therapy

Have you ever wondered what happens if one day you get up and you are unable to open your mouth or speak properly and also unable to perform other functions such as speaking, eating, drinking, yawning, etc? Yes, this could happen to you. Your mandible is attached to your skull by a joint on both sides known as the temporomandibular joint which allows up and down and sideways movement of your mandible and you can perform your functions easily. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be because of various reasons but due to its dysfunction, you will be unable to control the movements of your mandible effectively.
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Causes

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be because of multiple factors such as

  • Muscle and tendon problems in temporomandibular joints
  • The habit of teeth grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint
  • Arthritis in the joints
  • Physical trauma or any mechanical injury
  • Disc erosion or dysfunction
  • Excessive strain on joint

Symptoms

Minor temporomandibular joint dysfunction can go away on its own but if the repetitive injury occurs then temporomandibular joint dysfunction can progress to such a level that it can cause visible symptoms that adversely affect our daily activities and need to be treated immediately. Some of the common symptoms which are evident in temporomandibular joint dysfunction are

  • Unbearable pain in temporomandibular joint
  • Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
  • Radiation of pain to the ear
  • Difficulty in chewing and speaking as well
  • Unable to achieve the same degree of mobilization from temporomandibular joint
  • Locking of the temporomandibular joint may cause difficulty in opening and closing the mouth

Treatment

For the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction many pain relievers and medicines used for arthritis are used depending on the cause, these medicines can only depress these symptoms and do not help to achieve back the degree of movement of the temporomandibular joint. Physical therapy treatment is the main treatment that can help to achieve back the mobilization capacity of the temporomandibular joint. Physical therapy treatments for temporomandibular joint dysfunction focuses on stretching, relaxing, and exercising the muscles to release the tension from muscles and also strengthen muscles and joints to achieve back the maximum degree of movement. Sometimes temporomandibular joint dysfunction is because of dislocation of the joint. A physical therapist can also deal with this situation and can normalize a dislocated temporomandibular joint.

Conclusion

Among other treatments a person with temporomandibular joint dysfunction needs to undergo a proper physical therapy session so that not only its symptoms are depressed but also the normal functioning of the joint can be achieved and a person then become able to perform its life function effectively
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