Jaw

The jaw joint can be considered a slightly different joint. To illustrate. The jaw bone

functions as a barbell with the center of force in the jaw joint itself which must be distributed

more forces than the joint is structurally equipped to handle. In addition

the jaw is moved in synergy between both sides and several movements occur

axes. It is often underestimated and at the same time underdiagnosed as a direct cause

or contributory cause of many ailments, such as headaches and

neck pain.

Common symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (jaw pain)

People who have TMD report pain on one side of the face as the most common

symptom. The pain can come from jaw muscles, jaw joints or a combination

of these and can radiate to the ear, the temple, the area around the eye socket and very often to

upper part of the neck. Often the pain is mild but constant. By various movements of

sudden, intense and sharp pain may occur in the jaw. Like when, for example

you yawn, yawn or talk. In people with TMD, the movement of the jaw is

often reduced, while in some the jaw may lock. This is often the worst case

in the morning, especially in people who bite or grind their teeth at night. Others

symptoms of jaw problems can be headache, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), feeling

from having a lump in the ear or pain in the neck or shoulder.

Common symptoms:

● Slight, constant pain in the jaw, ear or temple.

● Intense, sharp pain when moving the jaw.

● Reduced ability to yawn.

● Dull sensation in the ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Investigation and treatment. Is there help to be had?

First of all, it is important to have a thorough investigation as there are different diagnoses,

the severity of the ailments can vary and so can the prospects for recovery. The

the diagnoses related to TMD that are mainly distinguished between are myalgia

(muscle pain), arthralgia (joint pain), TMD-related headache,

articular disc displacements, hypermobility (increased joint movement) and degenerative

jaw joint disease.



Often with jaw and facial pain, these are long-term pain conditions. Therefore will

the approach must always be multifactorial, where one tries to take the social aspect into account

the environment around the patient as well as identifying coping strategies, thoughts and feelings.

Depression, stress and negative emotions can be associated with problems in the face and

jaw joint and it is therefore important to see the whole patient in examination and treatment

these ailments. Also, good function of the jaw requires that there is normal movement in it

the joints and muscles of the neck in addition to the jaw joints and jaw muscles. Therefore, one wants as

treat always check the neck and back for dysfunctions in addition to the actual

the jaw joint.