TMJD is a condition that affects the (jaw joint) as well as the muscles surrounding the jaw.
Bruxism is clenching and/or grinding the teeth, and often occurs at night when we sleep or when
we are experiencing stressful conditions. This can have a huge effect on the TMJ
(Temporomandibular joint) because constant strain on the muscles of the jaw can eventually cause
deterioration of the joint. It can also cause severe dental problems.
Most people who suffer from TMJ dysfunction (or TMJD) are well aware of the condition because
it's painful and can often cause headaches. I'm quite aware of the symptoms because I, myself,
deal with TMJD. It's common for people with TMJD to take pain medications for the jaw pain and
associated headaches. There is treatment for TMJD: Unfortunately, it's difficult to find people
who can effectively treat TMJD
Bruxism is clenching and/or grinding the teeth, and often occurs at night when we sleep or when
we are experiencing stressful conditions. This can have a huge effect on the TMJ
(Temporomandibular joint) because constant strain on the muscles of the jaw can eventually cause
deterioration of the joint. It can also cause severe dental problems.
Most people who suffer from TMJ dysfunction (or TMJD) are well aware of the condition because
it's painful and can often cause headaches. I'm quite aware of the symptoms because I, myself,
deal with TMJD. It's common for people with TMJD to take pain medications for the jaw pain and
associated headaches. There is treatment for TMJD: Unfortunately, it's difficult to find people
who can effectively treat TMJD
 | CAUSES OF TMJD/BRUXISM: |
Stress, anger and anxiety are MAJOR causes of
TMJD which can get progressively worse with
age. Whiplash: Studies show that over 90% of
whiplash injuries involve the jaw joint. Most of
these go undiagnosed.
| SYMPTOMS of TMJD: |
 | Clicking or popping of the jaw | |
| Pain in the jaw | |
| Clenching or grinding your teeth | |
| Jaw locks up | |
| TINNITUS | |
| Tired jaw and/or headache when you | |
| wake up |
| TREATMENT: |
I do 3 things in order to effectively treat TMJD-
| I GENTLY massage the affected | |
| musculature in the mouth, around the jaw, head and neck in order to release those muscles; reducing tension and Ischemia. | ||
| I use energy techniques in order to | |
| further release the affected areas and to calm the nervous system down. This helps bring longer lasting, more effective relief. | ||
| I teach the client how to do self-care in | |
| order to maintain relief. |
| Treatment is NOT painful. There may be | |
| some discomfort as your attention is focused on releasing an area that has not been addressed before. TMJD massage can be very relaxing and very soothing. I know because I receive the treatment myself! Relief is IMMEDIATE and generally will last for 2-4 days IF YOU DO NO SELF CARE. If you do the self-care, relief can last much longer. Generally, it may take a few weekly treatments to get control of the condition and start to re-pattern the system. Once things settle down, you may completely take care of yourself with regular self-care, or you may want to return once every month or so to receive the full therapy as maintenance. |
| Recommendations for Self-Help: |
| Rest your jaw whenever possible. The | |
| best way is to keep your teeth apart and let your jaw "hang" so as to relax all facial muscles. You might find that it is not easy to relax muscles that hurt, so consult a biofeedback/relaxation specialist for help. |
| Maintain good posture. |
| Stretch sore jaw muscles 2-3 times | |
| daily. At first you may not be able to fully open your mouth. If this is due to sore muscles, heat can help. If this is due to a joint disorder, it may cause more pain. Some patients find that a moist hot towel or a cup of ice applied to the side of the face can ease the pain and stiffness enough to stretch the muscles. |
| Massage of jaw, head, neck and | |
| shoulder muscles can be helpful on a regular basis to ease muscle tension and improve range of motion. Seek the assistance of a licensed massage or physical therapist, or TMJD specialist. |
| Chew all foods on your molar teeth. | |
| Do not bite off food with the front of your mouth. Dice all food to 1/4-inch sized pieces. Microwave or steam all vegetables to soften them. | ||
| | |
| Jaw Exercises - Slowly and carefully | |
| widen and open the mouth, this can alleviate the clicking noise and prevent locking. Check with your physician for proper techniques. |
| Heat - Properly placed heat packs can | |
| reduce muscle spasms and increase circulation. |
| Cold - Ice or cold compresses can be | |
| applied to painful area to reduce swelling and lessen pain. Never apply ice directly to skin and never longer than 15 minutes. |
| 1 hour session-$65.00. | |
TESTIMONIAL:
"I wont even consider seeing my
dentist without scheduling a TMJ
massage with Dawn. It has helped
with the pain levels and felt
wonderful." Joy-Woodstock, GA
"I wont even consider seeing my
dentist without scheduling a TMJ
massage with Dawn. It has helped
with the pain levels and felt
wonderful." Joy-Woodstock, GA
| TMJ DISORDER-information provided by Dawn Peters |
Simply Massage Therapy
Where Touch brings Peace...
Where Touch brings Peace...
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