Benefits of Massage for TMJD

Written By Katelyn Tracy

What is TMJD?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction encompasses a range of conditions affecting the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and associated nerves, leading to chronic facial pain. Any issue disrupting the coordinated functioning of the harmonious system including muscles, bones, and joints may lead to temporomandibular disorders.

 

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research categorizes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) as follows:

 

  • Myofascial Pain: This represents the most prevalent form of TMJD, leading to discomfort or pain in the fascia (connective tissue covering the muscles) and muscles that govern jaw, neck, and shoulder functionality.

 

  • Internal Derangement of the Joint: This refers to a dislocated jaw, displaced disk (cartilage cushion between the head of the jaw bone and the skull), or injury to the condyle (the rounded end of the jaw bone articulating with the temporal skull bone).

 

  • Degenerative joint disease: Encompassing osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

 

It is possible to experience one or more of these conditions simultaneously.

 

Symptoms of TMJD

  • Swelling or Pain in the Face, Neck, Shoulders, or Back

  • Ear Pain

  • Misaligned or Uncomfortable Bite

  • Dizziness

  • Sensitivity or the Teeth

  • Headaches

  • Clenching or Grinding Teeth

  • Stiff or Tender Jaw

         Often experienced in the morning or late afternoon

  • Restricted Movement or Jaw Locking

 

Causes of TMJD

The origin of TMJD is often due to a combination of factors and is often difficult to determine.  There is a broad spectrum of factors that may contribute:

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Dental Work

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Certain Medications – where clenching is a side effect.

  • Stress

  • Bruxism

    (Clenching and Grinding Teeth)

  • Local Injury

  • Arthritis

  • Widespread Muscle and Joint Pain from Another Location

  • Sinus or Ear Infections

 

An Anatomical Examination: Understanding the Mechanisms at Play

 

Anatomically, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) operates through a combination of hinge-like and sliding motions. This joint involves the interaction of bone structures, covered with cartilage and separated by a small shock-absorbing disk. The cartilage and disk contribute to the smooth functioning of the joint.

In cases of painful TMJ disorders, specific anatomical events may occur:

  • Disk Erosion or Misalignment: The shock-absorbing disk may erode or shift out of its proper alignment, leading to discomfort and dysfunction.

  • Cartilage Damage from Arthritis: Arthritis can cause damage to the cartilage within the joint, affecting its normal function and causing pain.

  • Joint Damage from Impact: Trauma, such as a blow or other impact, can result in damage to the temporomandibular joint, leading to pain and restricted movement.

 

The understanding of these anatomical occurrences helps explain the basis of temporomandibular joint disorders and associated symptoms.


Benefits of Massage to TMJD

 

Massage techniques specifically target the neck and facial muscles connected to the jaw, addressing the tension exerted on the temporomandibular joint. Recognizing that muscles spanning from head to toe can influence TMJD symptoms, comprehensive attention to the entire body becomes crucial.

 

The objective of such sessions is threefold: to enhance joint mobility, alleviate muscle tension, and reduce overall stress levels. Employing these techniques may contribute to diminishing the associated pain of TMJ Dysfunction, headaches, clenching and grinding, toothaches, and jaw clicking.

 

Research indicates that a significant percentage of individuals with TMJD find relief through a combination of patient education, reassurance, home care practices (such as heat and self-massage), and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and painkillers (Hodges, TMJ Syndrome, Laryngoscope 100).

 

Furthermore, self-management treatments, including resting masticatory muscles, eliminating parafunctional habits (like clenching and avoiding gum or nail biting), cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and various massage techniques (self-massage, Swedish, and trigger point work) have shown promise. Additional supportive measures, such as acupuncture and relaxation therapy, can also be beneficial. Notably, relaxation therapy surpasses biofeedback in effectiveness, with a 56% vs. 35% decrease in pain, according to research published in JADA Volume 126, July 1995.

 

The success of these interventions significantly depend on the client's motivation, cooperation, and adherence to the recommended strategies.

 

 

Self-Care Strategies for Alleviating TMJD Symptoms

 

  • Self-Massage:

Engage in gentle self-massage to address tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles.  Check out the resources below for techniques.

 

  • Stress Reduction:

Incorporate stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to mitigate overall tension.  Check out the resources below for techniques.

 

  • Soft Diet:

Opt for a soft diet to minimize strain on the jaw muscles.

 

  • Moist Heat:

Apply moist heat to enhance circulation in the affected area.

 

  • Cold Packs:

Use cold packs for sharp pain, applying them for approximately 10 minutes to each side of the jaw.

 

  • Hot Packs:

Apply hot packs for dull aches, allowing them to remain for about 20 minutes on each side of the jaw.

 

  • OTC Medications:

Consider over-the-counter medications to manage pain and inflammation.

 

  • Magnesium Lotion or Oil:

Apply directly to the affected area to trigger muscle relaxation.

 

  • Arnica (Gel, Oil):

Apply topically for its known benefits in alleviating muscle and joint pain, as well as reducing inflammation.

  • Magnesium Supplements (Sulfate, Chloride, or Citrate):

Alternatively, take magnesium supplements orally to induce muscle relaxation.

 

  • Calcium Supplements:

Incorporate calcium supplements into your routine for overall muscle health.

 

  • Isometric & Passive Stretching:

Engage in isometric and passive stretching exercises to improve flexibility. Check out the resources below for techniques.

 

  • Appliances - Mouth Guard:

Use a mouth guard as a protective measure, particularly during sleep.

 

  • Avoid Sleeping with Pressure on Jaw Area:

Ensure a posture that avoids exerting pressure on the jaw area during sleep.

 

  • Behavior Changes:

Eliminate habits like gum chewing, nail biting, or other anxiety coping mechanisms that contribute to jaw tension.

 

  • Posture Training:

Focus on maintaining good posture to reduce strain on the jaw and neck muscles.

 

  • Physical Therapy:

Explore physical therapy exercises tailored to TMJD relief.

 

  • Intraoral Techniques:

Consider techniques that directly target the muscles inside the mouth for therapeutic benefits.

 

  • Elevator Up Technique:

Lift the jaw by curling or raising the tongue to the roof of the mouth, triggering muscle relaxation.

 

Adopting a combination of these self-care practices can contribute to the improvement of TMJD symptoms, promoting overall well-being and comfort.


Resources

For more information about TMJD:

Self-Massage & Stretching Techniques

Stress Reducing Techniques



Katelyn Tracy
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