Dr. Taelon Parson, DPT
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small hinge joint separated by a disc which allows the lower jaw to open by rolling and gliding along the temporal bone. The TMJ requires good joint mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength to ensure proper movement and function. However, it requires evaluation by an expert with specialized training in this area.
The TMJ utilizes unique biomechanics to accommodate the demands of language and the enjoyment of your favorite brisket or kale salad. The TMJ requires good joint mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength to ensure proper movement and function. The demands of daily living, poor posture, or trauma can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Did you know your jaw joint opens and closes your mouth more than 1000 times each day? Let’s take a dive into the biomechanics of the joint and see how an expert like Dr. Taelon Parson, DPT at Precision Osteopractic can help resolve jaw pain.
Anatomy and biomechanics:
Your jaw bone projects into the end of two bones (condyles) where they join with the cheekbones, at the mandibular in a depression. There is a spongy disc between the end of the bone and the depression. This disc acts as the cushion for your jaw when you bite down forcefully but also serves as the “surfboard” on which the bone slides forward when you open your mouth as wide as possible. When the movement of the disc is disrupted it can result in pain and dysfunction.
Taking a bite out of TMD
As a patient you may experience clicking, popping, grinding, or painful mouth opening during eating, talking, or yawning. TMD is often associated with migraines, facial pain, or headaches. This is because the trigeminal nerve which supplies sensation to the face is also connected to the muscles which perform chewing. TMD is also often related to neck stiffness because the trigeminal nerve is also connected to the neck via the upper cervical spine at the trigeminal cervical nucleus, C1-C3.
Even the most chronic cases of TMD respond well to the Osteopractic approach. We can improve joint mobility and muscle tone to improve mouth opening and restore normal chewing patterns. One of the most powerful and effective treatments is therapeutic dry needling. Dry needling enables us to access the hard to reach muscles that control the jaw. Our approach combines dry needling with spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, postural rebalancing, exercises and a workplace ergonomics assessment. Our comprehensive treatment produces excellent resolution of pain and other symptoms!
The experts at Precision Osteopractic have the tools and expertise to address your symptoms and the underlying cause of your jaw pain.
Dr. Tae is now offering evening and weekend hours. He is also offering free screenings for a limited time. Book your appointment today!
