According to the American National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial research, there are 3 types of TMD:

• Myofascial - most common type, caused by pain in the connective tissue (fascia) that controls the jaw, neck, and shoulder function

• Internal derangement of the joint: AKA, a dislocation or displaced joint disk

• Degenerative joint disease: such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint. 

Has jaw structure evolved & changed globally?  

Yes, one theory suggests the advent of soft foods.  Essentially, softer foods = jaws don’t work as hard.  To explain, we look to ‘Wolff’s Law’ that says our bones are thicker & stronger over time to resist forces upon them. A less active jaw weakens. The dietary shift towards softer foods has changed our need for a pronounced, wider jaw.  Narrowing facial features leave less space for sinuses & teeth. These evolutionary changes can add to an ecosystem of tightness from the neck up.

Clenching issues? 

• Mindfulness around tension holding patterns helps alleviate daytime clenching stress. When noticing active clenching, lightly rest the tongue to the roof of your mouth. Allow your low jaw to soften towards your chest. Breathe gently, holding this jaw position to naturally unwind ashiness or tightness felt. This exercise is taken from a yogic form of breath work.

• Night time clenching needs to be managed with a well fitted bite plate from your dentist.  Bite plates act to protect our teeth but they can also prevent our jaw from tightening to a close-packed position. Sustained clenching refers tightness from the muscles of the jaw to the TMJ. Overtime, this can wear down the joints & contribute to headaches, neck pain & general fatigue.

[1] Oliphant, Key, Dawson, Chung (2009). Bilateral temporomandibular joint dislocation following pulmonary function testing: A case report and review of closed reduction techniques. National Library of Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bcr.10.2008.1130

Jaw-ful Pain?

Does your jaw pop or click? Do you have frequent headaches or neck pain? Toothaches? Ringing or pressure in your ears? Do you play a wind instrument?  Catch yourself clenching? History of anxiety or anxiety related disorders? 

More on treatment ideas & options, but first a little history lesson:

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (aka joint disorders of the jaw) causing head, ear & neck pain have been plaguing humans for centuries. Hippocrates noted a relation between irregular & crowded teeth with headaches. His influence on jaw pain was so great, the Hippocratic Method is still used today in reducing jaw dislocations.[1] As the structures & soft tissues have evolved, so has our understanding of how to deal with associated pain patterns of the jaw.

What can happen if jaw asymmetry progresses?  

One sided imbalances can inflict issues on dental tissue & contribute to lock jaw or painful chewing & speaking. When one side of your jaw tightens it can irritate the joint capsule. When a joint isn’t stable, the body can’t fix it easily.

We Can Work it Out

Our RMT approach may include deep tissue massage, fascial & point work to the muscles of the jaw, scalp & neck.

Your RMT may also suggest internal jaw work.  In this instance, your massage therapist will wear a latex glove to apply precise pressure work to the muscles that are best accessed from the inside aspect of the jaw. 

Other techniques we may use to treat is isolated hot &/or cold hydrotherapy, cupping, breathwork & vocalization of various sound patterns that can be helpful exercises to relieve stress and achiness in the area.  Massage therapy can help release jaw muscle tightness and joint compression by assisting with mechanical symmetry & to help improve the quality of movements.  

Other modalities we have suggested in the past for jaw pain include vocal coaching &/or speech therapy, hypnotherapy as well as Chiropractic care. If jaw pain is on your mind, book an appointment to help heal your mind, spirit & sore spots too.