Improper jaw movement, trauma or long dental procedures can create TMJ pain that is felt in the head, face and neck. Grinding of the teeth, popping or clicking when opening the mouth and pain with jaw movements are signs that TMJ dysfunction is a problem. TMJ is a common complaint one study suggested that 85% to 90% of individuals will develop some TMJ condition or symptom in their lifetime. (1) The anatomy of the jaw aka. (TMJ), is similar joint like any other joint in the body. So that means it can get sprained, strained or injured which causes pain.

Common Symptoms

  • Headache pains 
  • Pain in back of teeth
  • Ear Pain.
  • Pain & stiffness in the neck.
  • Sinus congestion,
  • Ringing in the ear or problems
  • Vertigo aka. ( feeling dizzy).
  • Facial pain above the eyes brows or even to side of skull above the ears.
  • Popping , clicking and locked jaw. 

Treatment
When treating TMJ it's important to focus on different areas of the jaw that can contribute to TMJ pain. Shock Wave Therapy will focus on treating strained jaw muscles and joints. Through acoustic wave therapy, pain & tightness will decrease as there will be an increase of blood flow to jaw muscles.  Additional manual therapy & take home protocols will assist with proper treatment to TMJ dysfunction/syndrome.  

Research 

".....It was shown that in 64% of the patients significant alleviation of pain with palpable and sonographically evident softening of the myogelosis could be achieved. In 40% of the patients the therapeutic result could be conserved over a period of 2 weeks.
Mund Kiefer Gesichtschir. 1999 Jan;3(1):20-3.

 "....it was shown that supportive treatment utilizing low-energy shock waves (ESWT) is significantly effective in the therapy of limited opening of the mouth. The patients reported relief of their complaints, especially over the mandibular angle region,.... 
Mund Kiefer Gesichtschir. 2002 Sep;6(5):351-5.

(1)Source: Solberg WK Epidemiological findings of importance to management of temporomandibular disorders. In: Clark GT, Solberg WK, eds. Perspectives in Temoromandibular Disorders. Chicago: Quintessence; 1987: 27-41.