Causes of TMJ.

So, what are the primary causes of TMJ? A better understanding of the causes of TMJ can result in choosing the most appropriate treatment option.

The TMJ is one of the most common joints in the body to become tight and painful - at least that's what I see in my physiotherapy practice. TMJ problems are commonly associated with neck and back conditions. Unfortunately, TMJ dysfunctions are often overlooked or not diagnosed by therapists and doctors.

They often have a silent but deadly nature!

What I mean by this is that you may have pain in your neck but the cause is actually from your jaw! Many of my back pain patients look at me oddly when they come to me with neck or lower back pain and, during my assessment, I ask them to open and close their mouths!!

I am going to share with you the most common causes of TMJ dysfunction that I see on a daily basis in my Physiotherapy practice:

Tension and tightness in the muscles around your neck and jaw is a main cause of TMJ problems. When the muscles get overactive or tight they can directly or indirectly pull your jaw out of alignment. Tight muscles can also result in your jaw bones compressing excessively together, resulting in compression related pain.

Muscle spasms in your neck or jaw can result in TMJ pain, joint locking or tightness. Severe muscle spasms around the jaw can sometimes result in your jaw dislocating. Not to be recommended! It is the sudden and forceful nature of muscle spasms that can distort the position and function of your TMJ greatly.

Sometimes, if the spasm is very severe - even when it has subsided, jaw dysfunction can continue. Always seek specialised physiotherapy for any ongoing TMJ symptoms.

Teeth grinding is one of the most common causes of TMJ problems. If you regularly grind your teeth the knock on effects will often include pain and stiffness in your TMJ. These symptoms in the early stages are worse early in the morning once you wake and then they ease as the day unfolds. However, if teeth-grinding is ignored for too long constant TMJ symptoms usually evolve. Never ignore jaw symptoms!

Bite misalignments are another common cause of TMJ pain. Misalignments are often present from birth and remain undetected until symptoms occur. Other causes of bite misalignments are injury, muscle imbalances, poorly fitted dentures, neck injuries, arthritis, and stress. Early intervention of bite misalignments is a must, as if these alignments continue over time the rest of your skeletal body will too be out of alignment and more prone to injury!

Stress! Stress is always associated with TMJ problems in my opinion. Stress can be the primary cause of the problem or else it evolves from the non-resolving TMJ pain that people complain of. Stress increases the tension in your neck and jaw muscles, but to name a few, and this in turn leads to compression tension to the TMJ which will often result in teeth grinding, pain and/or stiffness.

Left untreated, TMJ problems generally worsen and eventually affect other areas of your body. Arthritis may result. Please see a Physiotherapist specialising in this area combined with a good dentist and craniosacral therapist in order to address all aspects of the cause of your TMJ problems. I believe there is always more than one cause for TMJ dysfunction!

Want to hear what other people are doing to Manage and Prevent Back Pain?

Subscribe to my monthly email newsletter, "Healthy Back - Healthy Life". Full of tips on how to get back pain out of your life.

Subscribe Now.. and receive this Great Free Gift!

Top 10 Tips for Managing Your Back Pain
- Great Advice from a Chartered Physiotherapist ... You will receive Download Instructions on Your Confirmation Page.

Further References:

TMJ Symptoms. In my experience the symptoms of TMJ are varied and many. In my practice I often see two TMJ problems a day and rarely are any two presentations the same. Find out more at Signs and Symptoms of TMJ.

TMJ Surgery. TMJ surgery can be very successful and a great relief to the patient suffering from TMJ pain. However, before we go on - I feel strongly that all other options should be exhausted first before you go down the surgical route. Find out more at TMJ Surgery.

TMJ Treatment Options. There are two aspects involved in the treatment of TMJ disorders: Pain relief and mechanical correction. Find out more at TMJ Treatment Options.

Exercises for TMJ. Even severe TMJ pain symptoms can be relieved with specific exercises. It just takes the right exercises - and a continued effort over time. Find out more at TMJ Exercises.

TMJ and Neck Pain. Neck Pain is a very usual consequence of TMJ - I rarely see a client with TMJ pain that is not associated with neck pain. Find out more at TMJ Neck Pain.

TMJ and Tinnitus. Tinnitus is often a symptom of a TMJ dysfunction. Find out more at TMJ Tinnitus.

TMJ.ORG. The TMJ association is a patient advocate organisation - giving you access to the thoughts and opinions of others suffering from this condition, as well as treatment approaches that worked for them. Find out more at TMJ.ORG.

The Mayo Clinic. Gives the formal medical perspective on TMJ treatment including use of drugs and surgery. Find out more at Mayo Clinic TMJ info.

Return from Causes of TMJ to TMJ Pain

Return from Causes of TMJ to Back Pain Relief Home

Custom Search

Home Free Newsletter What's New?

Back Pain Overview

Good Posture Spine Anatomy Back Pain Causes Back Pain Symptoms Tell Your Story NEW!

Back Pain Products

Chairs for Back Pain Mattresses for Back Pain Shoes for Back Pain Back Pain Product Warning

Back Pain Types

Lower Back Pain Upper Back Pain Middle Back Pain Chronic Back Pain Neck Pain Relief Shoulder Pain Hip Pain Buttocks Pain Muscle Spasms Back Pain While Sleeping

Back Pain Management

Back Pain Treatment Back Pain Remedies Back Pain Relief Products Back Surgery Exercises for Back Pain Lifting Technique

Specific Back Pain

Pregnancy and Back Pain Whiplash TMJ Pain Sciatica Treatment Back Arthritis Spina Bifida Spinal Stenosis Scoliosis Herniated Disc Spondylolisthesis Tendonitis Bursitis Headaches

Fitness

Pilates Exercises Health Related Fitness

Sports Injuries

Sports Injury Treatment

Learn More

About Useful Links Contact

Subscribe To This Site

ManageBackPain.com Copyright © 2009-2012.
The information on this web site does not replace specific medical advice. It should only be used to complement advice from your doctor. Always seek in-person advice from a doctor or other qualified health provider for your particular condition.