TMJ treatment in Sutton Place

  What Does TMJ Mean?

TMJ is an abbreviation for the jaw joint used by medical professionals at TMJ treatment in Sutton Place, and all around the world. The TMJ is what connects the lower mandible, also known as the jaw bone , to the skull. It’s important to note that although some people use it as a lay term for “pain in my ear”, which some describe being caused by pressure on nerves due to structural issues, this pain is not actually TMJ.

How Does It Work?

The TMJ connects to the mandible via four different ligaments; these are the anterior (front), posterior (back) lateral (sideways) and medial (inwards). The joint is surrounded by muscle tissue, which allows for movement of the jaw. In addition, three joints surround the TMJ; the hyoid (which is connected to the tongue), the stylohyoid (connected to the lower part of the jaw bone) and of course, also, which connects to itself back at the skull.

Part of what allows people with healthy functioning TMJs to not be in constant pain every time they chew or eat is that the TMJ is more of a shock absorber, rather than being completely fluid. This is because the bones are rigid and they don’t move together when chewing or opening one’s mouth; instead, at this time it acts like most joints in the human body. For example, when you grab your shoulder with your hand and move it around, you’ll feel that it is a bit “bouncy”. It’s the same with your TMJ.

TMJ treatment in Sutton Place states that when the jaw bone moves out of position, due to sitting in awkward positions all day at work or something similar, many times this isn’t a problem because the bones don’t move together in normal functioning. However when they do move out of position, the TMJ becomes less of a shock absorber and more like a fluid joint (a little similar to the knee joint).

This is also why even people without TMJ problems can get sore jaw muscles if they clench their teeth together for long periods of time; it’s because they are using muscle tissue in place of fluid. This isn’t a good thing, because how it’s supposed to work is that only the bones must move in order for you to open your mouth, but with some people they clench their teeth together and this causes the muscles to do all of the work. This is a lot of work for them and can become very painful.

Contact Us: TMJ treatment in Sutton Place

If you or a loved one are looking for TMJ treatment in Sutton Place give H&D Physical Therapy a call. Our team is devoted to helping you heal, and live pain free!