Craniomandibular Pain

This is a big word that encompasses several different symptoms of the head and neck, including headaches, neck, jaw (TMJ), and facial pain. Many of the symptoms can occur alone or together. One of the factors that tie the symptoms together is posture. Many times, correcting faulty posture can improve the symptoms. After an evaluation, there are many treatments we can use to help with the symptoms. First, modalities can be used to help decrease symptoms immediately.

After that, depending on what is found during the evaluation, we can do manual treatments. In the case of TMJ dysfunction, we include joint mobilization of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to increase range of motion to help to reposition the disc in the joint (in the case of “clicking“). Where headaches, neck or jaw pain are involved, several techniques can be used to help painful muscles that refer to pain to those areas, including manual trigger point treatment as well as dry needling procedures.

Finally, we incorporate exercises into the treatment. As mentioned earlier, we will strengthen the postural muscles to help with better control over the postural alignment. In addition, exercises can also be used to strengthen and balance jaw muscles.