Tight Jaw Muscles
Chronically tight and painful jaw muscles can cause issues such as headaches and neck pain. If you have wondered what a treatment to the jaw/TMJ looks like. This video will help.
One of my favorite areas to treat is the jaw. Historically, I have seen very good results from patients. These patients have had long standing neck pain and headaches. It can be a game changer for those that have suffered.
The typical history of a patient coming to see us is that they have tried treatments for the symptoms mentioned. These symptoms are the headaches and neck soreness. They relay that they have tried many treatments. They feel better right afterwards. However, they find that the pain just returns to the same levels as before treatment.
Usually, what I will find on their health history is that they have had or are having jaw issues. When I see this, my questioning starts focusing on the jaw and jaw muscle tightness.
Afterwards, I will explain that their issues likely stem from tight jaw muscles. They can benefit from treating the jaw. I explain the benefits and the treatment protocol.
Treating Tight Jaw Muscles
During treatment the compensating structures are addressed also, such as the neck muscles and shoulder muscle.. To access the jaw muscles, I wear surgical gloves and massage the inside of the mouth.
What I usually find is a lot of tightness and trigger points (knots) that can be extremely painful.
The intraoral portion can last between 15 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on chronicity and tightness. Treating the jaw is intense and requires focus. Focus, both in time and precision of areas treated.
We recommend a set of 4 treatments for chronic jaw issues. Patients should receive one treatment per week over 4 consecutive weeks. This we believe is a fair way to assess the progress of a treatment. After the 4 we reassess and discuss the ongoing treatment plan.
Typically, when the muscles are more relaxed, patients will say their jaws feel more at ease. They also indicate that their head and neck symptoms have diminished.
When is the time to treat the Jaw?
Many patients have issues with jaw muscles. They don’t realize that their issues are rooted in the tightness of the jaw.
Many will come in thinking that their problem is local. For example they may schedule an appointment for chronic neck pain and tightness. Usually what occurs is that I investigate further and realize that the actual root of the problem is the jaw.
At times, when I read the health history I discover that they have ticked off that they have TMJ issues.
Other issues that can be more symptomatic versus the root include plugging or ringing in the ears. They also include headaches and face symptoms. There is a sensation of tightness around the head. Symptoms can occur when swallowing.
The muscles can become very tight and overworked that trigger points can also be present causing referral pain symptoms.
Did you know that migraines can be exacerbated by TMJ symptoms? Watch this video now to learn more. Do you use the foam roller and are noticing neck pain? Here is a quick tip from our Pain Relief Fitness site.
Do you currently have jaw issues? It is important to have your jaw assessed if you suffer from chronic neck pain. This is also true if you experience headaches frequently. Please contact us and we can discuss your personal treatment.
