Life as we know it can be stressful, especially in the heart of tax season! Our bodies tend to tense up, our heart rate escalates and we are ready for “fight or flight”, but have no tiger to run from. So where does all of this energy and emotion go?? It gets hidden in our bodies in spots like our jaw causing what is known as TMJ disorder or TMD.
TMJ is a household term but you may be wondering , “What is TMJ/TMD?”. They are both acronyms for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull and is found on each side of the head close to the ear. Anything you do to move your jaw requires these joints to function. That means you can’t eat, talk, or even smile without a engaging the temporomandibular joint. TMJ disorders occur when this incredibly designed and complicated joint isn’t working properly.
There are many contributing factors, but at the end of the day, the main underlying cause is stress. Dr. John Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., names the following five causes for TMJ or TMD. They include:
- Craniosacral system dysfunction –This system consists of the skull bones that protect the brain (cranium), and the sacrum, which is the main foundation bone at the base of the spine. Many of these bones are associated with mastication and can be culprits, but typically, it is the temporal bones that are easily pulled out of alignment by attached muscles and tendons that have abnormal strain or tension on them
- Stress – whether physiological, psychoemotional or environmental – all tend to cause clenching and increased pressure on the temporomandibular joint
- Neurological responses – clenching and grinding as a result of anger, fear, aggression, ongoing pain, post traumatic stress, etc.
- Degenerative diseases – such as autoimmune, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions that adversely affect the temporomandibular joint
- Dental issues – teeth and jaw alignment
Now that we know what causes it, what are the symptoms of TMJ and TMD?? How do you know if you actually have this disorder? Below is a list of TMJ symptoms commonly experienced:
- Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders
- Limited ability to open or widen the mouth
- Jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
- Swelling on the side of the face
Intra-oral Work to the Rescue!
Back in the 1980’s when TMJ/TMD came into their own, the prescribed solution was a device of sorts to put in your mouth, typically in the form of a “splint” or mouth guard. The success was minimal and only when the device was actually in place, generally while sleeping. This left the dental industry wondering what on Earth to do for this common ailment. Fortunately, therapists outside of the dental world came up with what is known as Intra-oral Therapy or massage that is practiced by massage therapists and CranioSacral therapists.
Massage therapists realized that part of the problem was related to muscles and tissues around the area being tight or compromised in some way and devised treatments and protocols to address TMJ and TMD. Treatment typically consists of massage to the neck, shoulder, facial, and muscles of the mouth – eliminating any trigger points, and pain referral areas by releasing tension in the fascia in these areas. This treatment also includes intra-oral massage to the masseter muscles to reduce the stress it can put on the jaw and Temporomandibular joints. This type of massage can also help with:
- Headaches
- Ear congestion and pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Clenching/bruxing (grinding)
- Facial pain
- Tender, sensitive teeth
- Difficulty chewing
CranioSacral Therapists also realized their philosophy and work could readily apply to TMJ/TMD issues. This subtle modality, known as CranioSacral Therapy or massage, works with the CranioSacral system, which includes the bones in your spine and head as well as the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal column. Living in this fast-paced, high-stress world (especially around tax time) can cause the CranioSacral system to get out of balance. Various ailments like headaches and migraines, chronic fatigue, jaw problems and even emotional difficulties can be the result. In order to rebalance this system, the therapist cradles your head, neck, and sacrum to tune into and manipulate the pulse of the fluid. Tiny adjustments to the position of the bones are made, thereby, allowing the body to naturally heal and come into a renewed place of homeostasis.
The CranioSacral version of Intra-oral Therapy alleviates stress upon various parts of the mouth and jaw. The therapist actually “works” on the inside of the mouth. Wearing protective gloves, they put very gentle massage and/or pressure (5 grams, like that of a nickel) on tissues and muscles of the jaw, upper and lower gum lines and underneath the tongue. The bones of the hard palate are evaluated for dysfunctional physiological motion and restrictions of the membranes in these bones are then released to allow proper motion of the hard palate. All with the intention of restoring proper function and good health to the body. Depending on the severity of symptoms, the duration of treatment will vary but some relief should be felt in the very first session!
For more information about Intra-oral work, please call The Wellness Center at 303-357-9355.
Check out The Wellness Center Therapists that do Intra-oral Therapy:
Kris Wood
Layhoon Kasa
Allegra Hoopingarner
Amy Gage
Bill Woodall
Danielle Arico
Intra-oral CranioSacral for Infants
The bones of the cranium are typically squeezed and pushed together during the birthing process. They are soft and malleable for this very reason but occasionally misalignments can cause issues with breast feeding. It is simply amazing what a couple of Intra-oral CranioSacral Therapy sessions can do to stimulate the nursing reflex and eliminate any latching issues.