Jaw Pain And Headaches

What is jaw pain (TMJ) and how is it connected to headaches?

Jaw pain and headaches are all too familiar sensations that people worldwide experience. This common encounter can affect the mouth’s function, limit use, and decrease quality of life overall. The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) located on either side of your head, in front of your ears, is often the source of jaw discomfort and can also cause intolerable headaches. Many patients are unaware of the signs/symptoms affiliated, treatments available, and preventative measures obtainable. Our Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists have all the tools and knowledge necessary to settle TMJ dysfunction and exterminate jaw pain causing headaches.

What causes jaw pain and headaches?

There are many possible underlying causes of jaw pain. Many diagnoses are treatable and can be resolved within a few days with the correct treatment. Those with jaw pain are often found to be experiencing pain due to dental problems, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ, TMD), tension headaches, and migraines. Additionally, these recurrent pathologies are seen daily in our Physio clinic and are as frequently remediated for patient satisfaction.

How do I know if I have a jaw problem?

Many of us may have experienced jaw pain and may be able to relate to the following most-seen symptoms;

• Pain in the jaw joint, face, and neck
• Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Teeth grinding or clenching

How do you diagnose TMJ and headaches?

Although jaw pain is typically diagnosable via telling signs and physical examination, more complex cases may require imaging for specific detection. X-rays, MRIs, CTs, and EMGs may be used when necessary for verification and to gather more information about the pathology.

How can I fix my jaw pain? How can I get rid of a headache?

Numerous remedies are available regarding jaw pain and headaches. You can try using medications for resolving pain and muscle spasms, as well as oral appliances to realign the bite and prevent grinding. However, Physiotherapists resolve jaw pain using manual therapy, exercise, and self-relieving techniques. These methods are minimally invasive, and instantaneous results can be shown! However, to maintain jaw pain relief, following up with a couple of appointments is recommended for optimal and long-lasting results.

How can I prevent this problem from coming back?

Your jaw pain can happen for no reason (no known cause); however, preventative measures can still be taken to avoid it altogether. Some strategies are listed below:

• Maintain good dental hygiene
• Manage your stress
• Avoid hard or chewy foods
• Use proper posture
• Exercise and stretch

In short, jaw pain and headaches can hugely impact how we live. Above all, it is important to seek treatment early. This cannot be emphasized enough, as strategies used at Excite Physiotherapy have the ability to finally end jaw pain and get you back to living a fulfilled life doing the things you love! Finally, we can help you identify your symptoms and determine a plan of care to elevate your rate of recovery. It is never too early to intercept jaw pain to ward off further suffering.

~Gracyn Emmerton, PTA Candidate, SUNY Canton

TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. It is a common condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

There are a variety of causes of TMJ disorder, including injury to the jaw, arthritis, and bruxism (teeth grinding). Stress can also be a contributing factor, as it can lead to tightening of the jaw muscles.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder can range from mild to severe, and can include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
• A popping or clicking sound when opening or closing the mouth
• Limited ability to open the mouth wide
• Difficulty or discomfort when biting or chewing
• Swelling on the side of the face
• Headaches or earaches

Treatment for TMJ disorder depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, self-care measures such as over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and jaw exercises may be enough to relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, treatment may include Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, a splint or mouthguard to wear at night, or in rare cases, surgery.

To help prevent TMJ disorder, it is important to practice good posture and avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. If you are under a lot of stress, try to find ways to relax and reduce tension in your jaw muscles.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, it is important to see a Physiotherapist for an evaluation. We can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, TMJ disorder is a common condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement, symptoms can range from mild to severe and include pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. It is important to seek professional help if experiencing symptoms and to practice good posture and avoid clenching or grinding your teeth to prevent the disorder.

Physiotherapy for TMJ aims to reduce pain and improve the function of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

Treatment typically begins with a thorough assessment of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, including range of motion, strength, and flexibility. From there, the Physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan that may include exercises to improve range of motion and muscle strength, as well as manual therapy techniques to release tight muscles and improve joint mobility, and intramuscular stimulation (IMS or dry needling).

Some common exercises used in Physiotherapy for TMJ include jaw stretches, isometric exercises, and progressive resistance exercises. Jaw stretches involve opening the mouth as wide as possible and holding the position for a few seconds, while isometric exercises involve contracting the jaw muscles without moving the jaw. Progressive resistance exercises involve using small weights or resistance bands to gradually increase the strength of the jaw muscles.

Manual therapy techniques may include soft tissue massage and mobilization of the jaw joint. These techniques can help to release tight muscles and improve joint mobility, which can help to reduce pain and improve function.

In addition to Physiotherapy, there are also other treatment options for TMJ, such as Massage Therapy, medication, splint therapy, and surgery. However, Physiotherapy is a non-invasive and effective option for managing TMJ symptoms and improving jaw function.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for you. A Physiotherapist with experience in treating TMJ can help you to manage your symptoms and improve your jaw function, so you can get back to your daily activities. Learn more

How can a CAMPT Physiotherapist help CrossFit Athletes?

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a high-intensity sport involving power lifting, gymnastics, conditioning and agility. This extreme sport attracts elite competitors, but also welcomes beginners as it is modifiable to all. Certified CrossFit coaches are trained to teach participants how to engage muscle, and brace certain muscles groups. This method encourages safer and more efficient performance, especially when completing deadlifts, cleans, snatches and other olympic lifts but; CrossFit can leave out a vital injury preventative measure.

How Can Physiotherapy Prevent or Treat Injury?

As CrossFit is such a demanding sport involving entire body workouts, injury is evidently to occur. Additionally, CrossFit focuses on strength, endurance and power, leaving out mobility. Many injuries occur when mobility is neglected. Thus, this is where Physiotherapy comes into play. A lot of time is spent facilitating muscles, therefore very little time relaxing. Physiotherapy can help CrossFit athletes prevent, recover and rehabilitate from injury.

Common injuries that CrossFit athletes face include:

• Rotator cuff tendinitis, tear or shoulder impingement
• Long head of Biceps tendinitis, tendinosis or tear
• Neck pain, headaches or migraines
• Low back pain
• Sciatica

An advanced practice Physiotherapist such as a CAMPT therapist will start with a comprehensive assessment. This will include a detailed history, a movement assessment and a manual therapy assessment. We will look for areas of decreased mobility, muscle shortening, or nerve sensitivity. Following our thorough assessment, we will design an individualized treatment plan. Treatment options with a CAMPT therapist can include highly skilled manual therapy and manipulation techniques. Part of every treatment plan will include detailed and specific exercises to address your issues.

What Exercises can help a CrossFit Participant Prevent Injury?

Here are some key stretches for CrossFit athletes that can help increase range of motion, which can lead to strength and power gains. Also, check out our services specific for CrossFitters and other athletes here.

Note: stop activity immediately if you experience any pain with these stretches, then contact us for a consult.

The seated twist is a great way for athletes to increase mobility of the thoracic spine or mid back.

Pigeon Pose is typically a tough one for CrossFitters as we generally have strong and deeply engaged glutes. This is a great way to create more space in your hips.

The Downward Dog can be beneficial when used to elongate the spine, providing a stretch and weight bearing through the feet and hands.

What is DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis?

This complex term describes a painful inflammatory condition of the wrist involving tendons of the thumb. These tendons overlie the wrist and can become inflamed with many things including repetitive use, gripping, gardening, knitting, or holding a child in your arms.

Who typically gets thumb tendonitis?

This is a common condition that can affect those using their thumbs to text a lot. New or post-partum  mothers can get this condition from a combination of having extra hormones as well as holding their babies and breastfeeding. 

What can Physiotherapy do for me? 

Treatment for this condition can include taping and bracing, advice on avoiding aggravating movements, manual therapy and stretching and strengthening exercises.

How can I avoid getting this thumb pain?