TMJ Therapy in Woodlands, Texas

TMJ syndrome, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), affects over 10 million Americans. TMJ Syndrome in Woodlands, Texas involves pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint that connects your jaw to your skull. 

If you suffer from symptoms like facial pain, headaches, jaw clicking/popping, or difficulty chewing, TMJ therapy can provide relief. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Woodlands North, our experienced physical therapists provide personalized TMJ treatment to reduce your discomfort and restore function.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ syndrome can cause various symptoms, including:

• Jaw pain or soreness, especially when chewing or opening your mouth wide
• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises of the jaw
• Locking of the jaw when opening or closing your mouth
• Difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth
• Earache or pain/stuffiness in one or both ears
• Headaches or migraines, particularly around the temples
• Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain
• Teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night

The symptoms may occur on one or both sides of the head and face. They can range from mild to severe. Flare-ups are common, with symptoms worsening during periods of increased teeth grinding, stress, or overuse of the jaw.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ syndrome can be triggered by various factors that put strain on the temporomandibular joints and surrounding structures, including:

• Jaw Injury or Trauma: A blow or whiplash injury that damages the TMJs or nearby tissues can lead to TMJ disorder. Some people develop TMJ problems after a hit to the jaw or face.
• Misalignment of Teeth or Jaw: Having an overbite, underbite, crooked teeth, or other dental alignment issues can impair TMJ function and mobility. Orthodontic braces or missing teeth can also contribute.
• Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, places excessive pressure on the TMJs over time. This can inflame the joints and cause the breakdown of cartilage.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the TMJs can lead to joint degeneration and bone changes. This progressive condition often worsens over time.
• Stress and Tension: Increased stress and muscular tension in the jaw area, often subconscious, can strain the TMJs and provoke pain. Emotional stress may worsen TMJ symptoms.
• Joint Hypermobility: Having overly flexible joints due to genetic factors may increase susceptibility to TMJ instability and dislocation. This hypermobility can be associated with TMJ symptoms.

Treatment of TMJ Syndrome

TMJ therapy involves both non-invasive and invasive techniques to relieve pain, restore proper jaw function, and prevent additional joint damage. Common TMJ Syndrome Treatment Woodlands, Texas include:

• Pain Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can temporarily alleviate discomfort. For severe TMJ pain, prescription medications may be prescribed.
• Physical Therapy: Stretching, massage, ultrasound, moist heat, and other techniques can loosen tight jaw muscles and reduce inflammation. Your physical therapist can recommend jaw exercises as well.
• Night Guards: Wearing a custom night guard limits teeth grinding and takes the pressure off the TMJs during sleep. This prevents further damage.
• Stress Management: Learning stress reduction and relaxation techniques may help relieve TMJ pain and tension. Counseling or biofeedback may also benefit some patients.
• Surgery: For severe joint damage, surgery like TMJ arthroplasty can repair or realign the joint. This is usually only done when other more conservative treatments fail.

Why Choose FYZICAL for Your TMJ Therapy?

At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Woodlands North, our physical therapists are experts in evaluating and treating TMJ Disorder Woodlands, Texas. Here are some of the reasons to choose us for your TMJ therapy include:

• Customized Treatment: We tailor TMJ therapy to your specific condition and needs for optimal results. No “one-size-fits-all” approach here.
• Non-Invasive Options First: We utilize conservative treatments like Physical Therapy Woodlands, TX, jaw exercises, and night guards before considering invasive procedures.
• Advanced Technology: From computerized jaw motion analysis to mechanical traction, we use cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat your condition.
• Holistic Approach: Our TMJ treatment addresses related issues like poor posture, muscle imbalances, and stress levels that contribute to your pain.
• Specialized Expertise: Our therapists complete advanced training to provide the latest, evidence-based TMJ therapy techniques.
• Seamless Insurance Billing: We handle the insurance paperwork for you and work to maximize your covered therapy benefits.

Don’t live with debilitating TMJ pain and dysfunction. The skilled physical therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Woodlands North can help you find relief through proven TMJ therapy. 

Call us today to schedule a thorough evaluation for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Woodlands, Texas. We will determine the source of your problem and design a customized treatment plan to restore normal jaw function.

FAQs

What Is TMJ Syndrome?

TMJ syndrome, short for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, refers to a variety of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints that connect your jaw to your skull. It involves pain and impaired movement of the jaw muscles, joints, and surrounding tissues. 

TMJ disorder is commonly caused by jaw injury, teeth grinding, poor alignment of teeth or jaw, arthritis, and stress.

What Are The Symptoms Of TMJ Syndrome?

Common symptoms of TMJ syndrome include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds of the jaw
• Locking of the jaw when opening or closing the mouth
• Headaches or ear pain on the affected side
• Stiffness/limited range of motion of the jaw
• Teeth grinding or clenching

The symptoms may come and go. They can range from mild to severe. Pain and dysfunction usually occur on one or both sides of the face.

What Is TMJ Syndrome Triggered By?

There are several potential causes and risk factors for TMJ disorder:

• Injury or trauma to the jaw, face, or neck
• Teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night
• Arthritis such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Misalignment of teeth and improper bite
• Stress, anxiety, and muscle tension in the jaw area
• Structural problems with the jaw joint itself
• Missing teeth or ill-fitting dental work

TMJ syndrome often results from a combination of factors that place strain on the temporomandibular joints over time. The condition may also occur spontaneously with no identifiable cause.

How Do You Treat TMJ Syndrome?

Some of the most common treatments for TMJ disorder include:

• Pain relievers like NSAIDs to alleviate discomfort
• Physical therapy with massage, exercises, and stretches
• Dental splint or night guard to prevent teeth grinding
• Hot/cold compresses to reduce inflammation
• Stress management techniques and counseling
• Improving dental alignment with orthodontics or bite adjustment
• Surgery in severe, untreatable cases to repair joint damage

The focus is first on conservative, reversible therapies. Only if those fail are more invasive procedures like surgery considered. A dentist or physical therapist can recommend an appropriate TMJ treatment plan based on examination findings.