Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction involves the temporomandibular joints — the hinge joints that connect your mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bones of the skull — as well as the masticatory muscles (like the masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoids) and adjacent cervical structures. These joints work with the muscles of mastication and the cervical spine to coordinate chewing, speaking, and head posture. Dysfunction in this system often presents as jaw pain, clicking or popping during opening and closing the mouth, restricted mouth opening, headaches, and associated neck or facial pain. Symptoms may also include tension in the sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and suboccipital muscles as they compensate for dysfunctional jaw mechanics. It’s also common for poor head and neck posture to exacerbate TMJ due to increased strain on both the neck and chewing systems.
Physical therapy at Accel Physical Therapy for TMJ dysfunction is grounded in evidence-based, conservative care that targets both the jaw and cervical regions. Research supports the use of manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilizations and soft tissue release to improve TMJ and upper cervical range of motion and reduce pain intensity. Therapeutic exercises that focus on posture correction, jaw resting position, and motor control of the neck and jaw musculature have been shown to improve function and reduce symptoms. A multimodal approach — combining hands-on mobilization, therapist-guided and home exercises, and postural education — is often an effective strategy for managing TMJ dysfunction and its associated symptoms.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review of Treatment Approaches
Blanca González-Sánchez et al. J Clin Med. 2023.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37373852/