🦷 Understanding TMJ Dysfunction

If you experience jaw pain, headaches, teeth grinding, dizziness, or difficulty opening your mouth, you may be dealing with TMJ dysfunction — a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the hinge that connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull, allowing your mouth to open and close. When this joint isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms collectively known as TMJ Dysfunction (TMD) or Temporomandibular Disorder.

⚖️ Common Symptoms

TMJ dysfunction can present in many ways. Some symptoms are easy to identify, such as:

• Jaw clicking or popping sounds
• Pain or soreness when chewing or talking
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

Other symptoms are less obvious but can still be related to the jaw joint, including:

• Headaches and migraines
• Dizziness or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Neck, shoulder, or upper back tension
• Facial pain, twitching, or tenderness around the ear
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

💢 Common Causes

There are several factors that can contribute to TMJ dysfunction, such as:

• Repetitive chewing or jaw overuse (e.g. gum chewing)
• Teeth grinding or clenching due to stress
• Poor posture or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Whiplash or impact injuries
• Ill-fitting dentures or misaligned bite
• Stress and anxiety, leading to chronic muscle tightness

💆‍♀️ The Good News

The encouraging part? TMJ massage therapy is a safe and effective way to relieve these symptoms. By gently releasing tight muscles — including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids — TMJ massage can help restore balance, ease discomfort, and improve jaw movement.

Many clients notice improvement after just one session, with lasting relief following a short series of treatments.

If you suspect TMJ dysfunction may be affecting you, follow me for more insights on TMJ relief, self-care tips, and how to book your TMJ massage session.

‍

#TMJ #TMJDysfunction #MassageTherapy #PainRelief #HolisticHealth #Wellness

‍

‍