The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is responsible for opening and closing your jaw and connects the upper temporal bone (which is part of your skull) and the mandible, or lower jawbone. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) are painful conditions your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) can suffer from.  TMD is often miscategorized as simply TMJ,  and TMD can also be misdiagnosed.

Lock-jaw. Painful clicking. Difficulty eating. Intense headaches.  These are all classic symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Contributing factors such as poor teeth alignment (upper and lower teeth touching), orthodontic treatments, poor health, and nutrition can lead to TMJ pain. Pain can also arise from inflammation, arthritis, trauma to the joint, joint laxity, muscle tightness or trigger points, and cervical or thoracic pain. Psychosocial factors such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or pain can also contribute to pain.  While this pain may seem overwhelming, physical therapy can help. This pain is best addressed through the physical therapy techniques listed below.