TMJ Pain
TMJ pain, symptoms or collectively known as TMJ disorders, can commonly affect the muscles and joints of the face, head & jaw. While some conditions can involve both the muscles and joints, here is a quick go-to guide to differentiate between a more muscular, or more joint TMJ issue.
In this article, our resident Geelong TMJ chiropractor Dr Luka, will discuss some of the common features we might see with each condition.
Muscular TMJ conditions:
With more muscular TMJ problems, these can often be a more recent onset of symptoms (i.e. within days, weeks or months).
We often might see associated behaviours like clenching or grinding (day or night).
Can often be accompanied with heightened stress, depression or anxiety levels.
We often might see a restricted or limitation in jaw mobility (especially mouth opening)
Joint TMJ conditions:
With more joint TMJ problems, these can often be longer term symptoms (i.e. months to years, as opposed to days or weeks).
There can be developed joint noises (e.g. clicking, popping, grinding)
These conditions can start out more muscular and develop into joint issues over time.
We might see reduced jaw mobility (often more so than muscular type).
In summary:
Our experienced team at Empowered Health Chiropractic are here to help! We see a range of TMJ disorders and have a variety of strategies to help provide relief, improve movement and restore function to the TMJ.