TMJ Dysfunction (TMD)TMJ pain results from dysfunction of your temporomandibular joints. This can be the result of grinding your teeth at night, abnormal movement of the jaw, compression or inflammation of the disc padding the joint, or muscle spasticity across this area.
In order to effectively treat TMJ pain we must correct all aspects of the problem. This includes: - Correcting muscle activity - Correcting joint mobility - Decreasing inflammation - Improving nerve-muscle activity and coordination When the injury is corrected from all aspects, you can finally get true, complete healing for long-lasting relief. We will work with your dentist or orthodontist to increase the effectiveness of splitting treatment with our advanced treatment techniques to give you complete relief. TMD PrevalenceCurrent research indicates that 12% of the US population suffers with some form of TMD. That number can reach up to 50 million people in a given year, which seems to be rising due to stress and postural changes over the last few decades.
A study published in BioMed Research International observed that tender points in the neck are often seen in people experiencing TMD. In fact, pain in the neck region was found to be associated with TMD 70% of the time. The study found that as the level of neck disability increases, so does the level of jaw disability. Other CausesMuscle Tension and Stress: Can lead to overuse of the jaw muscles, contributing to TMJD. This often results in bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching, which can strain the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.
Jaw Alignment Issues: Misalignment of the jaw or bite issues, such as an improper occlusion (how the teeth fit together), can put stress on the temporomandibular joint. This misalignment can cause uneven forces on the joint, leading to pain and dysfunction. Injury or Trauma: Physical trauma to the jaw, such as a direct blow or whiplash injury, can damage the temporomandibular joint or its surrounding structures. This type of injury can lead to inflammation, pain, and limited jaw movement. |
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Treatments
Research has shown that between 50-90% of TMJD can be significantly improved with conservative treatment. Some of the best outcomes for TMJD include utilizing manual therapy, medical dry needling, and proper corrective exercises.
- Pain Reduction and Muscle Relaxation: Dry needling targets trigger points in the muscles associated with TMJ, such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. By inserting thin needles into these trigger points, dry needling can induce a "twitch response," which helps release muscle tension and reduce pain. Studies have shown that this procedure can significantly alleviate facial pain and improve muscle function, leading to better jaw movement and reduced discomfort (RSD Journal) (MDPI).
- Improvement in Jaw Function: Dry needling has been found to enhance the range of motion
in the jaw. In one clinical trial, patients who received dry needling showed a significant increase in mouth opening range and a reduction in muscle activity, indicating an improvement in jaw function and symmetry (MDPI).
- The Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Exercise for TMJD: A Systematic Review found that manual therapy, joint mobilization, and joint manipulation, when combined with exercise can reduce pain and improve function/jaw mobility.
- Exercises: The evidence and validity of Rocabado exercises have been validated in a 2021 systemic review in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. The researchers found that these exercises are effective at reducing TMJ pain and improving jaw function.
- Pain Reduction and Muscle Relaxation: Dry needling targets trigger points in the muscles associated with TMJ, such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. By inserting thin needles into these trigger points, dry needling can induce a "twitch response," which helps release muscle tension and reduce pain. Studies have shown that this procedure can significantly alleviate facial pain and improve muscle function, leading to better jaw movement and reduced discomfort (RSD Journal) (MDPI).
- Improvement in Jaw Function: Dry needling has been found to enhance the range of motion
in the jaw. In one clinical trial, patients who received dry needling showed a significant increase in mouth opening range and a reduction in muscle activity, indicating an improvement in jaw function and symmetry (MDPI).
- The Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Exercise for TMJD: A Systematic Review found that manual therapy, joint mobilization, and joint manipulation, when combined with exercise can reduce pain and improve function/jaw mobility.
- Exercises: The evidence and validity of Rocabado exercises have been validated in a 2021 systemic review in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. The researchers found that these exercises are effective at reducing TMJ pain and improving jaw function.
Our Approach:
Based on this data, a great philosophy to conservatively treat and heal TMD includes the following:
- Treat and improve the biomechanics of the jaw and neck
- Heal and correct nerve function to and from the structures of the jaw and upper neck
- Treat and resolve inflammation in the joint, disc, and structures of the jaw and face
With over 25 years of dry needling expertise at Acadiana Pain & Performance, we provide advanced manual therapy and medical dry needling to stimulate healing in the the temporomandibular disc, pterygoids, temporalis, masseters and other muscles around the face
and jaw. We also utilize the latest pulsed radiofrequency stimulation to achieve normal nerve
function in TMD cases.
In severe cases, we'll utilize the healing power of a class IV laser, also called high-intensity laser therapy. Laser therapy has been shown to decrease inflammation, stimulate cellular energy, and repair tissues. In a 2021 study, researchers performed a double-blind study to assess the effectiveness of height intensity laser on myogenic TMJ dysfunction. In the 4th week, the VAS pain score was significantly decreased in the HILT group (47%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) (p <0.001). The maximum mouth opening was significantly increased in the HILT group (27%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) at week 12 (p <0.001). The HILT group showed a significant improvement in Jaw Functional Limitation Scale 20 (JFLS-20) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) compared to the placebo HILT group (p <0.001 and p <0.005 respectively).
- Treat and improve the biomechanics of the jaw and neck
- Heal and correct nerve function to and from the structures of the jaw and upper neck
- Treat and resolve inflammation in the joint, disc, and structures of the jaw and face
With over 25 years of dry needling expertise at Acadiana Pain & Performance, we provide advanced manual therapy and medical dry needling to stimulate healing in the the temporomandibular disc, pterygoids, temporalis, masseters and other muscles around the face
and jaw. We also utilize the latest pulsed radiofrequency stimulation to achieve normal nerve
function in TMD cases.
In severe cases, we'll utilize the healing power of a class IV laser, also called high-intensity laser therapy. Laser therapy has been shown to decrease inflammation, stimulate cellular energy, and repair tissues. In a 2021 study, researchers performed a double-blind study to assess the effectiveness of height intensity laser on myogenic TMJ dysfunction. In the 4th week, the VAS pain score was significantly decreased in the HILT group (47%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) (p <0.001). The maximum mouth opening was significantly increased in the HILT group (27%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) at week 12 (p <0.001). The HILT group showed a significant improvement in Jaw Functional Limitation Scale 20 (JFLS-20) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) compared to the placebo HILT group (p <0.001 and p <0.005 respectively).
Don't Wait...
TMD is something that heals incredibly well, so don't wait. If you need help with this, give us a call at 337-504-5144 or email at [email protected].