TMJ Prevalence a Pain in the Neck Says Osteopath
Thousands of Australians suffer every year from symptoms that may be readily treated by looking at the jaw according to Geelong Osteopath Dr. Tanja McKenzie.
“Osteopathy focuses on the biomechanical principles related to human movement,” says Tanja, “and as such, it can be an excellent adjunct to traditional treatments of TMD often performed by dentists and doctors.”
TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder causes a myriad of discomfort that can be addressed effectively says the Geelong Health professional.
“Tension-type headaches, chronic daily headaches, neck-pain, ear-ache, clicking and popping of the jaw and even dental issues can arise, TMD is a condition that can be the cause of orofacial discomfort for many,” says Tanja.
The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is like a sliding hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. You have one of these joints on either side of the jaw. Dysfunction of the jaw can affect the efficiency of this process.
According to the RACGP TMD is a common condition, signs of which appear in up to 60–70% of the population particularly in adults aged 20–40 years. Women are at least four times as likely to suffer from the disorder.
Chewing gum on one side of the mouth can exacerbate the problem, and stress also plays a role says Dr. McKenzie. “Long periods sitting in certain postures can affect the length-tension relationship of muscles acting on the jaw,” says Tanja. “The TMJ also has a role in equalizing the pressure of the inner ear. This is why yawning helps to ‘pop our ears.”
Many people don’t realize there is assistance available in the form of osteopathic treatment.
“Osteopathic treatment works using a variety of techniques to address the mobility and tension of the temporomandibular joint in addition to treating tightness through the muscles and connective tissue acting on the jaw,” says Tanja. Postural and mobility issues through the neck, upper back and shoulders can also impact the TMJ region and is an area an osteopath would also take into consideration.
Osteopathy is a holistic musculoskeletal based therapy. The human skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a connecting mechanism and an Osteopath assists with imbalances of the system.
Tanja and the team at Holistic Osteopathy will be releasing a video series on social media in the coming month addressing the TMJ and ways in which relief can be attained. For more information go to: Holistic Osteopathy Facebook Page
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