Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
What is the Temporomandibular Joint, TMJ?
The temporomandibular (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) joints (TMJs) are the two joints that connect your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull (head), and act like a hinge to open your mouth. They are located in front of the ear and are one of the most complex joints in the body. These joints and many muscles work together to perform chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing.
TMJ Dysfunction is when the TMJs and jaw muscles do not function properly, which can lead to pain in the head, neck and jaw.
What are symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction?
- Jaw discomfort, soreness, or pain
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, face, or behind the eyes
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Clicking and/or popping when chewing or opening the mouth
- Locking of the jaw closed or open
- Limited motion of the lower jaw
- Clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism)
- Dizziness
- Tooth sensitivities without dental concerns
- A change in the way your teeth fit together (malocclusion)
What is TMJ Massage?
Slow, fascial manipulation is performed to calm the muscles of mastication (chewing) and release tension and pain in the surrounding tissues. Specific work is done inside the mouth (intra-oral) as well as addressing other muscles that may be involved, such as neck and shoulder muscles. (Gloves are worn while working inside the mouth)
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) for TMJ Dysfunction
BCST is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that addresses the body as a whole. This unique modality creates a space where the body can recognize, and reconnect, to its own innate healing process within.
This reconnection can support the flow of cerebral spinal fluid and improve the function of the central nervous system, as well as assist in the metabolization of any physical or emotional traumas,
This can aide in a shift of the body from a “fight-or-flight” activated state, to a “rest-and-digest” calm state.