So this tells us that the jaw is actually extremely strong!
But did you know this one – if you were to cut the muscles of the jaw, you would essentially break down the jaw joint. This is because the muscles of the jaw are the main structures holding the joint together.
So essentially, the muscles of the jaw are extremely important for the jaw to function correctly. And that also means the muscles must be working effectively and efficiently for the jaw function correctly as well!
SO LET’S DISCUSS ALL THINGS ABOUT THE JAW!
The jaw is made up of 2 bones – temporal bone (skull) and the mandibular bone (jaw) and a disc is placed between to form the jaw joint (TMJ).
There are 6 groups of muscles which all work together to help move the jaw when eating, yawning, speaking and so on!
So we can see that if there are only 3 main structures which make up the jaw (muscles, disc and the 2 bones) then really there are only 3 main structures which can be the cause of dysfunction/pain in the jaw!
1. Disc Displacement:
What can occur is the disc is displaced within the joint which interrupts the joint from opening correctly and this can result in pain, clicking or even when opening/closing.
It’s really important to allow for the disc to function as it should and as physios we can assist normal function of the disc and joint movement.
2. TMD Myalgia:
Essentially, this is when the muscles have spasmed and are the cause for your pain.
Due to tight muscles, the joint is not opening and closing as it should.
We as physios assess the joint and muscles to determine which muscles specifically are the cause of your problem! Once we’ve located the cause, we can than treat and bring you back to normality
3. Jaw OA:
This may occur over a very long period of time – years and years!
However, you’ll find that due to this underlying issue, the muscles will be in spasm and the joint will not be functioning as it should. So this is where physio is actually really important – we can help release the muscles, help get rid of the joint stiffness and prescribe some exercises for you to help strengthen up the joint.
As your muscles are stronger, the joint functions a lot better!
People presume that if they have OA, it’s an untreatable condition; however, as physios we can help patients significantly reduce their pain and increase their function!
With any of the 3 main causes of jaw pain and dysfunction, physio is actually a great help and of great importance! Speak to our team today to see how we can help you get back to living a life pain-free!
