Myofascial Release as a Treatment Approach for TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction is a dysfunction which affects the jaw and causes things like clicking, locking, and changes in bite, as well as secondary effects such as sinus problems and headaches. TMJ dysfunction often comes about as a result of stress or an injury. Although doctors can be used to diagnose this problem, dentists are often the first to see the problem as they are specialists in the jaw. Either way, it’s best to tell your doctor all of your symptoms so that you can be properly diagnosed and find treatment. TMJ dysfunction causes a lot of discomfort for people as it can cause headaches, depression, light sensitivity, dizziness, and other problems. Although annoying, it is often overlooked because there are no specialists in the field and thus no tried and true cure for it. Instead, sufferers generally have to treat themselves with things like ice packs, a softer food diet, and over the counter pain medications. Other people have to have things like acupuncture to deal with the symptoms and a small percentage end up going in for surgery.

Myofascial release is a way to avoid both the surgeries and a heavy reliance on pain medications. It’s also a good way to make certain that you’re not stuck on a soft food diet for three or more weeks as many other sufferers end up doing. Myofascial release is a gentle soft tissue treatment that will relieve the tension and pain around your jaw, as well as your neck and skull where TMJ causes bad aches. Myofascial release stretches the muscles around the jaw and relieves the sensitivity of the nerves and muscles at trigger points around the jaw and neck. This will help relieve sensitivities to light and in the teeth as well as the pain. Myofascial release is also faster than many of the at home treatments and much safer than having surgery. It is also a very relaxing way to spend a few hours a week which will come as a distinct relief to people suffering from this problem.

Having jaw problems is highly disruptive to the normal functioning of peoples’ lives and many of the treatments either take a few weeks or longer or require things like acupuncture and TENS or even surgery. Myofascial release is an excellent and safe alternative to the more traditional means of dealing with this problem because it is safe, easy, and will address all of the symptoms, not just problems around the jaw.