The Jaw - Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

So many of us clench the jaw, grind the teeth or both. The musculoskeletal repercussions are varied and inevitably rather unpleasant. Pain and chipped teeth.........

The temporalis muscle is one of the primary muscles involved in chewing. Through clenching and teeth grinding you can experience stabbing pain in the ear that mimics an ear infection or migraine like pain. Releasing this muscle with osteo treatment can be very helpful with diminishing pain. The masseter muscles (the ones under your cheek bones) are also easily aggravated and pain causing. Treatment involves releasing these muscles via soft tissue release and active resisted stretching. Aside from osteo treatment, applying a hot flannel to the jaw before bed helps the muscles to relax as does using a jade roller to self massage. If you search for an image of these muscles this will all make sense.

Inevitably tension in the jaw relates to stress and causes tightness in the shoulders and neck. Getting these areas treated alongside breathing exercises and stretching will help with the discomfort and change the pattern. One of my favourite osteo techniques helps with TMJ pain.....release of the pterygoids.......sounds like a sci fi film I know. This involves releasing the muscles inside the mouth. It’s slightly uncomfortable but always worth it. Intrigued? Come and have a consultation.