Have you, or anyone you know, noticed pain or discomfort around your jaw area? If so you might have Temporomandibular Disorder, otherwise known as TMD. This is a general term for a variety of possible conditions that may include spasm of the jaw muscles or cracking and popping. If you have TMD it is most likely stemming from or focused around your Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ.

What Is A TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These are your jaw joints. We all have two TMJ’s, one on the left and one on the right and they are just in front of the ear canals. When you have any chronic issues with this joint it then turns into the aforementioned TMD. This disorder also includes any problems with the disk of the joint and any inflammation of the TMJ.

How Can I Avoid TMD Pain?

  1. Don’t chew gum all the time; avoid tough foods such as bagels, dried meats, hard candy, and chewing your fingernails.
  2. Limit yawning and other mouth opening to no more than two finger widths.
  3. Avoid clenching your teeth by keeping the teeth slightly apart and the jaw relaxed.
  4. Don’t lean or sleep on your jaw and be wary of morning jaw pain, as it may be a sign of grinding or clenching while you are asleep.

So, if you or someone you know suffers from TMD or jaw pain, ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you. If you are in the San Antonio area, come visit the experts at Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab. Our therapists are trained in the latest techniques and we can deliver the best care available for all sorts of pain and physical problems. Come see what makes our company so different from your average physical therapy office. We would love the opportunity to impress you!