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SYMPTOMS OF TMD
Pain is the number-one symptom of TMD. That pain can be
sharp, dull, jabbing, or electrical. It can be at the jaw, in the
teeth, and/or in the eyes, ears, and over the back of the head.
It is often exacerbated by activity at the mouth—not just
eating, but any kind of vocal expression can elicit pain.
In addition to mouth and facial pain, TMD can cause
headaches, and trigger points can form in overactive muscles that
stabilize the neck and head.
TMD can lead to vertigo, neck pain, arm and shoulder pain,
back pain, and changes in how you walk, all ripples of TMJ
dysfunction, as the body tries to compensate for problems at this
location.
CAN MASSAGE THERAPY HELP?
Many dental professionals enthusiastically recommend massage
therapy as an early intervention for TMJ disorders. Many
bodywork clients report that craniosacral therapy has helped their
TMD.
If someone has chronic TMJ pain, chances are good they have
pain elsewhere too, which could affect the shoulder girdle and
the position of the pelvis, as well as how the feet hit the ground—
they're all connected.
Let your massage therapist know about your jaw pain, the
symptoms associated with it, and how you've been managing
your pain. Together, develop a treatment plan that will help you
move away from the pain caused by this common ailment.
Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and a
continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist's Guide
to Pathology, (available at www.booksofdiscovery.com), now in its
sixth edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide.
