Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder and Massage

The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of the lowest part of the ear and it joins the lower jaw (mandible) and the temporal bone in the skull. This joint allows a variety of movements in the jaw, including up and down, side-to-side and circular grinding motions. This joint and the associated muscles allow us to speak, chew, whistle, make facial expressions and more.
TMJ disorder (can also be called dysfunction or syndrome) refers to pain, dysfunction or discomfort in the jaws.



In our busy lives filled with work and life stresses, reports of tired and achy jaws are becoming more common. These complaints are often a result of unconscious clenching of the jaw muscles or grinding of the teeth. TMJD can result from this type of muscular overuse; but it can also result from an incorrect bite position of the jaw, injury to the jaw or some other physical alignment issue.

People suffering from TMJD most commonly complain of jaw pain and headaches. In addition, TMJ dysfunction can also cause ear pain, bite problems (locking jaws, mismatched bites, difficulty chewing), facial fatigue, clicking and popping when the jaw moves, neck, face and shoulder pain or fatigue. TMJD is more common in women than in men, although both can experience it. It is most commonly found in those aged 20-40 years old. The condition can range from tiring and slightly annoying to incredibly painful and debilitating.

It is best to have the condition evaluated by a dentist or orthodontist. These doctors may offer a number of potential treatments including a bite guard for sleep (to prevent grinding teeth during sleep), braces to correct bite alignment issues, steroid injections to combat inflammation, muscle relaxers, pain medication and commonly they will suggest massage.

Regardless of the cause, TMJD always has a muscular component. The mouth and jaws have many muscles that aid in facial expression and mouth function. Those muscles become fatigued and can develop trigger points. These chronically tight muscles can also spasm in response to over use. Fatigued and chronically tight muscles anywhere in the body can be painful and in the jaw that tension can limit movement and hinder function. Massage can help to release those muscle spasms and chronic tension by encouraging the muscles to return to the natural relaxed state. In addition to the muscles surrounding the jaws, TMJD often causes tension and pain in the neck, shoulders and head. These areas of tension often lead to the associated headaches and generalized feeling of fatigue. Also, many cases of TMJD are related to increased stress and massage therapy is proven to decrease stress and increase relaxation.

If you suffer TMJD, consider trying massage therapy to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms you experience. Several Medical Spas, such as Medical Day Spa of Chapel Hill, now offer a specialized TMJ massage. It is a 30-minute focused session that specifically targets the discomfort clients experience related to TMJ dysfunction. During this session, tension is released from muscle groups in the upper back, neck, jaws and face. Massage, in combination with home care of stretching and self-massage, can decrease pain, aid jaw function and lessen the occurrence of headaches.

*Image from frostortho.com