TMD disorder relief. Acupuncture Torquay
photo by blue bird
TMD Support: What is TMD disorder?
Temperomandibular disorders (TDM) are a range of issues that affect the temperomandibular joint (TMJ): the hinge-like joint that connects the jawbone and skull, and is used frequently in chewing food, talking, and yawning. Due to stress, chronic disease, or injury the TMJ can become tight, inflamed and cause pain, aching, and clicking in the jaw. It may also contribuute to neck tension and even headaches. From a TCM perspective it’s also a region of the face closely related to the Stomach, and can be an area where many people hold tension and stress.
What Causes TMJ/TMD dysfunction?
There are a number of factors that can lead to TMJ dysfunction
Bruxism or teeth grinding: too much clenching, grinding, or gritting of the teeth-usually during sleep, places a lot of strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscle tissue. From a TCM perspective bruxism can be a sign of stress, and heat or inflammation in the stomach.
Injury: impact injuries or trauma to the head, neck, and jaw can directly impact the joint, causing misalignment or strain.
Arthritis: autoimmune disease such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to degeneration of the TMJ, as well as inflammation
Posture: Tech neck, slouching, and screen time can place postural strain on the neck and jaw, leading to tension which can affect the TMJ.
Misaligned teeth or even bite patterns can interfere with normal TMJ function.
TMJ or TMD disorders can affect anyone but there are some groups that may be more susceptible
Studies suggest that women aged 20-40 are more prone to experiencing TMJ/TMD disorders, most likely due to hormonal influences and the effects of stress.
High stress individuals: If you have a bust, fast paced lifestyle with intense deadlines or stresses, and experience chronic stress then you may be more prone to bruxism or teeth grinding which can impact on TMD.
Athletes and accident victims: if you’re involved in physical activities or accidents then it follows there’s a higher risk of injury to the jaw and TMJ/TMD issues.
Stress and TMJ/TMD Disorders
Stress is a significant contributor to TMJ disorders. When you’re stressed, your body enters a state of heightened tension, often leading to:
Stress can cause the body to be in a state of heightened tension. It can also cause hormones such as cortisol to be elevated, which can disrupt your body’s capacity to process and clear inflammation. Stress can be a signicant factor in the development of TMJ/TMD disorders.
Both bruxism (teeth clenching) and poor posture, tension through the neck and shoulders, can all impact on TMJ and TMD and can be a result of tension due to stress.
Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and physical therapy are invaluable in alleviating TMJ symptoms. These methods help reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and improve posture.
Mindfulness, exercise, meditation and therapies such as acupuncture and physical therapy that address stress management as part of helping TMJ/TMD disorders are great holistic approaches.
Key TCM Insights:
The stomach meridian runs through the jaw, and a chinese medicine and acupuncture session will always investigate in there’s any digestive imbalances that are contributing to jaw pain and TMD/TMJ. Irregular or poor dietary habits, emotional stress, or inflammation in the gut may be found in conjunction with jaw pain.
Muscle tension and pain is often linked to changes to the healthy function of the liver. When stressed normal circulation of blood and fluids becomes disrupted-leading to muscle stiffness/tension and pain.
Supporting Your TMJ Health
Whatever your approach to supporting TMJ/TMD health ensure it incorporates a holistic approach. Here are some good ground rules to get your started.
Practice stress management: relaxation, mindful belly breathing, exercise and get good sleep.
Be mindful of your posture
Protect your teeth with a mouthguard at night
Journal at night to help identify stresses and unwind.
Explore what TCM and acupuncture can do for you!
