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Unlocking Relief: Effective Solutions for Treating TMJ or TMD

Jul 2, 2023 52 Comments By INNER NORTH OSTEOPATHY

Undoubtedly, temporomandibular joint disorders causes immense pain and discomfort in the jaw as well as surrounding muscles. If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from TMJ or temporomandibular disorder (TMD), you may know how frustrating it could be to find relief.

However, there are many effective solutions for treating TMD be it lifestyle changes to medications and dental treatments. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most effective solutions for unlocking relief from TMJ or TMD. Read along.

The Importance of Treating Temporomandibular Disorder

To first understand the importance of treating TMD, we first have to understand the functioning of the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects the jawbone to your skull, allowing you to move it up and down as well as side to side so you can talk, chew, and yawn. TMD basically affects this joint, causing pain and dysfunction both to the TMJ and the nearby muscles that control your jaw’s movement.

If left untreated, TMD can cause jaw and tinnitus problems. The jaw joint is located directly beneath the ears, and joint pain caused by TMD can lead to permanently compromised hearing or tinnitus. Inner ear problems are another serious problem that may be caused by TMD.

Dental health issues are something a patient might suffer from by putting off TMD. Worn-down enamel or fractured teeth could lead to clenching and teeth grinding.

If the patient tends to favor one jaw side over the other while eating, this may result in unsymmetrical muscle growth and swelling on one side of the face. Eating disorders could occur as the pain can cause sufferers to choose not to eat at all or only ingest liquids and/or soft foods.

The good news is that TMD can be successfully treated through nonsurgical and safe treatments. In many cases, these treatments can be permanent.

Osteopathy as a Solution for TMD Treatment

An osteopath is someone who aims to restore the body’s normal function by helping the body heal itself. Using their hands, they exert pressure on the muscles connecting to the jaw, which may cause tension and pain.

A TMJ dysfunction treatment with osteopathy can help relieve pain and discomfort by realigning the spine, neck, and nerves to correct misalignments that may be causing or contributing to your symptoms.

How the Osteopathy Treatment Works

To help relieve TMJ, an osteopath will use soft-tissue techniques to loosen and release muscles that connect the jaw to the skull. They will also treat any movement restrictions of the jaw so that it functions normally. Additionally, they will correct poor neck and upper back posture that may be leading to jaw discomfort. Finally, they may recommend exercises and things you can do at home to help relieve TMJ discomfort.

Why Osteopathy is Effective for TMJ Treatment?

Osteopathy treatment is a great way to eliminate the underlying pain caused by TMD.

As an effective TMD treatment, osteopathy can increase the range of motions in the joints and treat jaw problems resulting from poor posture or injury. Additionally, it can relieve chronic pain through non-invasive treatment and decrease the stress on the joints.

A seasoned osteopath can thus help you relieve pain of TMD without any risks of surgery or other invasive treatments.

Looking for a reputed osteopath for temporomandibular disorder (TMD treatment)? We can help.

Our practitioners at Inner North are experienced partitioners and trained in all aspects of manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises, mindfulness approaches and education to treat TMJ dysfunction. We also work in team care arrangements with dentists when appropriate.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and tailored TMJ treatment in Melbourne, we recommend getting in touch with one of our practitioners for a quick consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopaths are primary healthcare providers which means that no referral is necessary. If your treatment is being covered by WorkSafe, TAC or DVA, you will require a referral to ensure that your costs are covered.

We are able to treat WorkSafe, TAC, EPC and DVA patients, however you will require a referral from your GP. For TAC and WorkSafe patients we will also require your claim number and date of injury.

We are covered by private health funds via extras cover. Exact details will vary depending on the individual fund and level of cover. We do have a Hicaps machine which enables you to claim health fund payments on the spot.

For medicare rebates you must qualify for an EPC plan. You will need to discuss this with your GP, and a referral is necessary.

Yes, please bring in any X-ray, CT or MRI scan results you may have. If you have a report for these scans, make sure you bring this along as well.

During your first consultation your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask questions about your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes during the course of your osteopathic treatment, you should tell your osteopath.

Your osteopath may ask about any recent X-rays, scans or test results that you may have.

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into.

Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, which will help determine how best to manage your condition.

The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs. As part of the examination, you may also be asked to bend over or stand in your underwear. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear.

As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.

Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

Your initial consultation may last up to one hour. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine and treat you. Follow-up treatments are usually shorter. Depending on your condition, they can take 30-40 minutes.

Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment. If you have any concerns, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

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