The jaw is made up of the jaw bone or mandible and the temporal bones of the skull. The anatomical term for the jaw joint is the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. You would have a left and right TMJ. Since the temporal bones are part of the skull, the position of the head and neck has an impact on normal jaw function. The jaw joint (TMJ) is surrounded by a capsule or envelope. Separating the mandible bone from the temporal bones in each joint is a disc. This serves to cushion the bones and prevent wear and tear of the bone surfaces. Keeping the disc and joint in a stable position are a series of ligaments. The jaw functions by virtue of many muscles as they open close and move the jaw in the necessary movements required for normal function such as eating & speaking. As you can see from the above anatomy, there are many different structures making up the jaw joint which can become injured, strained and cause jaw pain or face pain.
Physiotherapists are experienced treating musculoskeletal problems. Jaw pain however is a condition that is not commonly treated by most physiotherapists as many of the jaw muscles need to be accessed via the mouth. At Melbourne TMJ and Facial Pain Centre, our physiotherapists are experienced treating jaw pain with techniques both inside and outside the mouth. In addition they understand the complex link between the jaw and the head / neck and include this in the management of jaw pain conditions. Our physiotherapists work closely with dentists and dental specialists to co-ordinate our very specific physiotherapy treatment with other forms of treatment that jaw pain sufferers may require. Don’t suffer any longer, Call 03 9824 8868 NOW to get a solution to your jaw pain.
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