As a result of a tremendous exposure to stress, the development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders has reached pandemic proportions. TMJ sufferers experience high-intensity headaches, difficulty with chewing, painful joint clicking and popping, and other symptoms. With the progression of the pathology, individuals may even develop sleep disorders.
Bruxism:
Due to stress, people often develop bruxism. Bruxism is a pathological clenching and grinding of teeth that usually occurs during sleep. Bruxism is caused by the hyperactive contraction of the masticatory muscles. Imagine any other muscles in our support and movement system kept under tight contraction for seven hours. Pathological hypertonus in these muscles will be formed, followed by restriction of range of motion, trigger point development, and other symptoms. With time, hypertonic condition in the masticatory muscles leads to the development of osteoarthritis in the TMJ, including negative effects on the articular meniscus. In such a case, the above-mentioned TMJ pathology starts producing severe headaches and painful "clicks."
TMJ SYMPTOMS
Most often when people have TMJ problems it results from the simple fact that when they put their teeth together, their TMJs are not in socket (remember this not a correct orthopedic position). In fact, this is another major difference between the TMJ and all your other joints - something outside of the joint itself (your teeth) can prevent the TMJs from staying in socket.
When people exhibit a problem with their TMJs, it is most often exhibited as; Problems associated with the jaw joint itself. Quite often, the disc is displaced to a position in front of the condyle. This results in first a “clicking” or “popping” sound. The disc at this stage is still able to slip or pop back onto the top position on the condyle during the open / close cycle
Pain emanating from the jaw joint itself
usually either an inflammatory response within the joint and /or
highly innervated tissue being compressed.
Problems associated with the muscles.
Sore muscles (usually in the temple or cheek areas). Headaches that can be actually muscle soreness.
Limited opening.
Problems with the teeth.
Loose teeth.
Sore teeth.
Excessively worn teeth.
Loss of bone support.
Ear problems.
Hissing or ringing.
Ear pain, ear ache (in the absence of infection).
Vertigo, dizziness.
Full-Body Stress-Management Massage:
As mentioned before, stress is the main cause of the development of bruxism and TMJ disorders; therefore, it is very important to those who suffer from TMJ disorders to receive full-body stress-management massage. From my experience, the phenomenon of bruxism can be reduced within five full-body stress-management massage treatments given on a weekly basis. Elimination of bruxism is an extremely important factor that will allow the masticatory muscles to be restored to normal metabolism and prevent re-accumulation of tension in the muscles. working with a massage therapist experienced in working with these muscle groups can get you out of pain quicker, our Center offers Cranio-Sacral Massage or Customize Massage session, schedule your appointment today
Reference: Massage Today, December, 2004, Vol. 04, Issue 12, Boris Prilutsky, MA
Disclaimer: The information found through out this website is for educational purposes only, please contact your physician for questions about your health.
