Understanding TMJ vs TMD : Your Guide to Jaw Health
TMJ vs TMD - What's the difference, you ask? Do you experience jaw pain, clicking sounds, or headaches? Discover the answers and potential relief.
Do you know the difference between TMJ and TMD? I can’t count the number of times patients have come in stating that they have TMJ or that their doctor or dentist has diagnosed TMJ. Calmly, I tell them that they in fact, have 2 TMJs.
In this blog post, we’ll break down TMJ and TMD in simple terms and explore how they relate to your overall health and wellbeing.
What is TMJ?
Let’s start with the basics. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It’s like a hinge that connects your mandible (jawbone) to your skull, allowing you to talk, eat, kiss, and make funny faces. The TMJ is a crucial part of everyday life, and it plays a big role in how we use our mouths.
Since the articulating surfaces of the mandible and the skull do not come into direct contact with each other, the TMJ is classified as a synovial joint.
Key Anatomical structures of the TMJ
Mandible
Also referred to as the lower jaw bone
Largest, strongest bone of the skull
Holds the bottom teeth in place
Only movable bone of the skull except for the ossicles of the inner ear
Mandibular Fossa of the Temporal Bone
Indentation on the temporal bone
Articulates with the mandible
The TMJ works smoothly when all the pieces align correctly, but sometimes things can go wrong, leading to issues known as TMD.
What is TMD?
Now, let’s tackle TMD. TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder or Temporomandibular Dysfunction, and it’s not the same as TMJ.
Think of it this way: TMJ is the actual joint, like your knee or your shoulder, and TMD is the collection of problems that can affect that joint and the muscles around it.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
Sometimes, people use the term TMJ to describe the following symptoms, but it’s essential to understand that TMJ isn’t the problem itself. It’s just the joint.
TMD can cause a variety of discomforts, and they can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
Pain in your jaw, face, or neck
Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth wide
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move your jaw
Feeling like your jaw is stuck or locked
Feeling like your face is tired
Earaches or ringing in the ears
Headaches, often around the temples
Pain or pressure behind the eyes
Difficulty in chewing or speaking
These symptoms can impact your daily life, leaving you to wonder if you will ever find relief again. If this sounds like you, then it’s a good idea to explore further. Early detection can make a huge difference in managing these issues.
Massage Therapy and your jaw
Did you know that massaging your jaw can help with jaw pain? Many healthcare experts often suggest pills or Botox, but there’s another way!
Therapeutic massage is an excellent choice if you want a natural approach to ease your jaw discomfort.
A variety of techniques are used to relax the jaw and neck muscles, promoting better function of the TMJ. Some techniques you might use include :
gentle jaw and neck massage,
stretching exercises
relaxation techniques to manage stress, a common TMD trigger.
Massage inside your mouth, say what???
Sometimes, your massage therapist will suggest an Intraoral massage (sometimes referred to as buccal massage) to address your symptoms (jaw pain, tightness, or headaches). This approach is very effective at treating the muscles of your jaw but can be very uncomfortable and even painful at times.
How does it work?
Your massage therapist will wear gloves and gently slide a finger along the inside of your cheek to the back of your mouth. The target spot is where food can get stuck. When they’ve reached the area, they will apply light pressure and hold it.
Don’t be surprised if this is tender! Gentle, skilled touch can reduce tension and pain and leave you feeling like you’ve got lots of room in your mouth.
If you choose to have an intraoral treatment, it’s super important to communicate with your practitioner how you feel so that they may adapt their approach to your needs and comfort levels.
Self-Care Tips for your TMJ
Aside from massage therapy, your massage therapist can teach you some valuable self-care tips. Simple exercises and stretches can go a long way in relieving discomfort.
Some of these tips may include :
gentle jaw stretches
relaxation techniques like deep breathing
warm compresses to sore areas
Avoid excessive chewing or clenching
When to Seek Professional Help
While massage therapy can be effective for clients, it’s crucial to recognize when you should seek professional help. If you’re experiencing severe pain, persistent symptoms, or difficulty opening or closing your mouth, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide targeted treatments, to help get you the relief you are looking for.
In conclusion, grasping the distinction between TMJ and TMD isn’t just crucial for massage therapists; it’s valuable knowledge for everyone. TMJ refers to the jaw joint, while TMD covers the various issues that can affect it.
Understanding the signs and symptoms can improve your ability to support friends, family, or yourself when needed.
Whether you’re a massage therapist or not, empathy and good communication are essential when helping someone with TMJ issues or TMD. Customizing your approach to their exact needs and sharing self-care tips can be genuinely helpful.
And remember, knowing when to suggest professional help can be a game-changer on their journey to relief and comfort.
Additional Resources
For further reading and resources, consider checking out the following:
About the Author
Jeannine Weddell, RMT, is a registered massage therapist with the CMTO. With a passion for holistic wellness, Jeannine is dedicated to helping clients find relief from jaw pain. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.mlniagara.janeapp.com.
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
