TMJ Explained

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connect your skull to your jawbone enabling chewing, talking, yawning, swallowing and facial expressions.

TMJ disorders range from muscular issues (such as a spasm) to structural issues (such as lock jaw). Symptoms include pain while chewing, ear pain, headaches and radiating pain to the neck, face or shoulders.

Pain is these areas can be commonly caused by teeth clenching, teeth grinding, stress, jaw misalignment, injury (sports, whiplash etc.), arthritis, or dental work.

Osteopathy offers both extraoral and intraoral techniques to help relax the affected area and relieve pain. These include myofascial release, trigger point therapy (TPT), METs, counterstrain, and joint mobilisations.