Kim Lawler-Coyle, PT, DPT, has established herself as an expert in TMJ therapy in Orange County since 1984. In fact, problems with the Temporomandibular Joint, or jaw joint, lead to more than just jaw pain; they also result in a range of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and issues in the face, neck, and shoulders.
Moreover, her specialized experience in TMJ therapy has led dozens of professionals to refer their patients to her.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone at the side of the head. When you place your fingers in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can easily feel these joints. Notably, the jaw moves up and down as well as side to side because these joints are flexible. This flexibility allows us to perform essential actions such as talking, chewing, and yawning.
Furthermore, muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint play a crucial role in controlling its position and movement.
When we open our mouths, the rounded ends of the lower jaw glide smoothly along the joint socket of the temporal bone. Importantly, when we close our mouths, the condyles slide back to their original position. To ensure this motion remains smooth, a soft disc sits between the condyle and the temporal bone. This disc absorbs shocks to the jaw joint from activities like chewing and other movements, thereby protecting the joint.
Moreover, the temporomandibular joint stands out from other joints in the body. The combination of hinge and sliding motions makes this joint particularly complex. Additionally, the tissue that forms the temporomandibular joint differs significantly from the tissues found in joints like the knee or hip. As a result, both patients and healthcare providers may face challenges when addressing jaw joint issues.
What are TMJ Disorders that need TMJ Specialists in Orange County?
Disorders of the jaw joint and chewing muscles, as well as how people respond to them, vary. Researchers generally agree that the conditions fall into three main categories:
- Myofascial pain involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function
- Internal derangement involves a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle
- Degenerative or inflammatory joint disorders can affect the temporomandibular joint
Individuals may experience one or more of these conditions simultaneously. In fact, health problems often coexist with TMJ disorders, including chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disturbances, and fibromyalgia. Notably, these disorders share common symptoms, which suggests that they may have similar underlying mechanisms of disease.
Moreover, rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, can also affect the temporomandibular joint. This group of disorders causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness, highlighting the connection between these conditions. Both arthritis and some TMJ disorders involve inflammation of the joint tissues, but the exact relationship between them remains unclear.
Understanding how jaw joint and muscle disorders progress is challenging. Symptoms can worsen or ease over time; however, most individuals experience mild forms of the disorder. Fortunately, their symptoms often improve or disappear within weeks or months. On the other hand, some individuals may face long-term, persistent, and debilitating pain.
What causes TMJ Disorders that require TMJ Specialists in Orange County?
Trauma to the jaw or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can contribute to some TMJ disorders. However, in many cases, researchers have not identified a specific cause for jaw joint and muscle problems. Notably, these conditions are more prevalent in women than in men. Consequently, scientists are investigating a potential link between female hormones and TMJ disorders.
Furthermore, many individuals notice that their symptoms arise without any clear reason. Interestingly, research indicates that neither a bad bite nor orthodontic braces causes TMJ disorders.
Additionally, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that sounds, like clicking in the jaw joint, lead to serious issues. In fact, jaw sounds are quite common in the general population. Therefore, if someone experiences jaw noises without pain or limited movement, it does not indicate a TMJ disorder and may not require treatment.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of TMJ?
Many symptoms characterize TMJ disorders. The most common symptom is pain, especially in the chewing muscles and jaw joint. Additionally, other likely symptoms include:
- Radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck
- Jaw muscle stiffness
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
Diagnosing TMJ Disorders for TMJ Therapy
There is no single standard test to diagnose TMJ disorders; therefore, identifying the disorder can be challenging due to the varying causes and symptoms. Professionals actively note symptoms, take detailed patient histories, and conduct thorough examinations of the jaw, face, head, and neck.
Additionally, if deemed beneficial, the healthcare provider will recommend imaging tests to gain further insight.
Moreover, some patients choose to consult their physician to rule out other potential causes of pain. For instance, facial pain may indicate sinus or ear infections, various types of headaches, or facial neuralgia.
Best Approach for TMJ Therapy in Orange County
Experts recommend using the most conservative and reversible treatments available. First, conservative treatment methods avoid invading the tissues of the face, jaw, or joint. Additionally, reversible treatments ensure that there are no permanent changes to the jaw or teeth position.
Surprisingly, when patients experience persistent TMJ disorders, they often do not require aggressive treatment. This is where Focus On Health truly excels. With our advanced hands-on skills, we provide gentle, non-invasive care that prioritizes patient comfort and well-being.
Next Steps to Getting Help to Heal
Focus On Health makes a difference with TMJ Therapy in Orange County. We provide many treatment methods with expert knowledge, all of which are gentle. So, don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment so we can help stop your suffering. We work with the Difficult to Treat Temporomandibular Conditions. We get Great Results and have for more than 37 years.
So, here are a few things you can do.
Learn more about the Conditions We Treat.
Read the Experiences of our other Patients on our Testimonials Page.