Jaw, Neck Pain and Headaches

By Renuka Jain, DPT, COMT

Role of Physical Therapy

What is TMD?

(Temporo-mandibular Joint Disorder) TMD is a category of disorders involving the joint and muscles of the jaw, face, and neck pain. TMD contributes to limitations in everyday activities including chewing, talking, and yawning.

Symptoms

Pain in face or jaw, often aggravated with chewing
Tenderness in the muscles and joint of the jaw
Joint sounds (popping, clicking)
Jaw locking or stiffness
Headaches
Bruxism (grinding teeth)
Abnormal swallowing
Dizziness
Ringing in the ears
Virtual disturbances
Insomnia
Tingling in hands/fingers
Deviation of jaw

Causes: trauma, arthritis, whiplash injury, postural abnormality, ligamentous laxity, bruxism, unaligned teeth, congenital deformities, psychological distress

Physical Therapy Treatment: Physical therapy is an important aspect in the treatment of TMD to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, restore normal oral motor function, correct poor posture.

Physical Therapy consists of:

Manual Techniques: hands-on treatment including joint mobilization, stretching, myofascial release and massage in order to improve joint dynamics and muscle tension.

Exercises: guided exercises to increase strength, range of motion, and postural alignment.

Modalities: Treatment tools including ultrasound and electrical stimulation to increase blood flow, relax muscle tension, reduce inflammation and pain.

Patient Education: Information to assist with postural awareness, jaw relaxation and diet education.

Cervicogenic Headaches and Pain

Research shows 70% of patients with TMD also suffer from neck pain. Neck pain can originate from any one or combination of the tissues in the cervical spine. Structures such as facet joints, ligaments and intervertebral discs may create localized symptoms that travel into the arm or head. These traveling symptoms can mimic many of the symptoms of TMD. A headache derived from the cervical spine is one of the three most common types of headaches. Studies indicate that 18% of the population suffers from these headaches.

Symptoms include:

Headaches in the base of head that may also radiate toward the eyes
Neck stiffness
Blurring and reduced vision
Nausea
Dizziness
Tinnitus

The relationship between TMD, headaches and neck pain may make diagnosis difficult in some cases . It is important to contact your physician or physical therapist if you suffer from these symptoms in order to recieve proper treatment.