Sore Jaw?

Another word for the jaw is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which consists of the hinge joint connecting the mandible to the skull. There are many different pairs of muscles that are responsible for movement and stabilization of the TMJ. These muscles are active during clenching, yawning, chewing, speaking, swallowing and everything in between.

A fun fact is that the masseter, which is one of the muscles responsible for closing the TMJ, is the most powerful muscle in the body.

Where the mandible articulates with the skull, an articular disc separates the two bones. When this disc is misplaced, it can cause TMJ dysfunction, which can lead to pain, clicking or locking.

Often people with TMJ disorders will complain of a variety of symptoms, which can vary from pain, tenderness, headaches, clicking, popping, locking, or reduced range of motion. Whether the pain is originating from the joint itself, the capsule, the disc or the muscles surrounding the joint, most of the time these structures are all involved to some extent.

Chiropractors can help with the co-management of this condition. The cause of TMJ disorders can vary greatly from chronic teeth grinding to prolonged dental work to an incredibly aggressive yawn. The mechanics of the joint is similar in everyone though, and with a proper history, physical exam and diagnosis, determination of the cause can be made.

Treatment for TMJ disorders vary depending on the diagnosis and can include joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, exercises, acupuncture and potentially a referral for a mouth guard or injection if the issue cannot be resolved conservatively.