TMJ & TMD Treatment
Developing effective TMJ Disorder treatments since 2004
Are you suffering from headaches, jaw pain, ear pain, or constant earaches? More than likely it is caused by your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ. ) Here PTS, led by Dr. Robert Inglis and his team of top-rated Orange County TMJ specialists identify, evaluate, and treat the contributing factors and underlying causes of TMJ disorder.
Over the last several years Dr. Inglis and his staff have developed effective recovery plans enabaling the complete restoration, health, and functional capacity of nearly 100% of patients suffering with jaw or ear pain.
Understanding TMJ
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short, is the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When you open and close your mouth, the joint slides with the help of a disk that is located within the joint. Muscles of the jaw allow the joints to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. TMJ dysfunction includes any condition that causes pain or limits motion of the jaw. This joint is involved in all actions of the mouth, including chewing and talking. Temporomandibular joint problems can cause pain during eating and sometimes even during talking.
TMJ Symptoms We Treat
TMD affects people differently with a variety of manifestations. Many sufferers end up seeing multiple doctors for various symptoms before realizing that they all originate from the TMJ. Symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness around jaw, cheeks, ears, and neck
- Headaches or migraines
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Popping, grating, or clicking jaw
- Earache
- Inability to open jaw completely, locking jaws
- Tired feeling in the face
- Tinnitus or “ringing” in the ears
- Change of facial expression
The therapists and staff at PTS went above and beyond to help me get better and figure my shoulder problems. They spent time with me and made sure I was doing my exercises correctly. They did not make me feel like I was just another paying customer. - S.W.
The Causal Factors of TMJ Disorder
Anything that causes tension in the jaw and temporal muscles or a CR/CO discrepancy can lead to problems with the TMJ. There are often multiple factors that coincide to cause the disorder and pain. These could be:
- Injury to the jaw or neck (e.g. hit in the face or whiplash)
- Poor posture including head, neck, and shoulders.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth (also called bruxism)
- Sleep-disordered breathing occurring when your airway collapses while you’re asleep
- Arthritis: Arthritis can occur in any joint, including the TMJ
- Dislocation or erosion of the joint
- Improper bite alignment
Combining orthopedic techniques with advanced technology to restore the functionality of the whole jaw system
Identifying the factors responsible for the development of a TMJ disorder is the primary goal of our initial evaluation. Our physical therapists will help you learn to care for your jaw through improved posture, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, use of heat or cold, and the retraining of jaw movements.
At PTS, we use a variety of techniques to treat TMJ including cold laser technology, gentle soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques that directly manipulate the muscles of the jaw, TENS (electrical stimulation), postural alignment, corrective exercises, and spinal mobilization. If you are suffering from jaw pain, earaches or chronic headaches call or text our Brea, CA TMJ specialists at 714-528-9400 for a free screening.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will happen if TMJ is not treated?
The pain may increase without TMJ treatment to the point that your jaw may require medical intervention. Medical conditions such as increased neck and jaw pain, depression, headaches, and eating disorders can result in untreated TMJ.
How is TMJ treated without surgery?
PTS uses a combination of advanced technology combined with retraining of jaw movements. These techniques consist of hot and cold therapy, gentle soft tissue mobilization, cold laser technology, and spinal mobilization.
Can my facial structure change as a result of TMJ?
Yes, the natural aesthetic of one’s face can be altered if there is a shift in one’s teeth, the bite and jaw are off-balance, or if bone loss occurs within the gumline. This is not uncommon.
Does Stress Cause TMJ?
Holistic approach to physical therapy uses a combination of hands-on techniques combined with advanced technology. With an emphasis on total body health including nutrition, sleep, and stress management. Holistic physical therapists address the underlying causes of pain, not just the symptoms.