TMJ DISORDERS

Do Any of These Sound Familiar?

• Jaw pain or soreness

• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw

• Difficulty opening your mouth fully

• Jaw locking open or closed

• Pain when chewing

• Ear pain, pressure, or ringing without an ear infection

• Facial pain or headaches

• Jaw fatigue or tightness upon waking

• Pain that extends into the neck or temples

 

What is a TMJ Disorder?

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions affecting the jaw joints, jaw muscles, and surrounding structures. Symptoms may include jaw pain, clicking, popping, locking, difficulty chewing, headaches, ear symptoms, and facial pain.

​

While many people refer to all jaw problems as "TMJ," there are actually numerous different TMJ disorders, including muscle disorders, disc displacements, joint inflammation, arthritis, and instability. Because treatment varies depending on the diagnosis, identifying the specific cause of symptoms is essential.

 

Why Hasn't My TMJ Gotten Better?

Many patients seek treatment after trying multiple appliances, exercises, medications, or dental procedures without lasting relief. In many cases, the challenge is not a lack of treatment—it is a lack of an accurate diagnosis.

​

"TMJ" is not a diagnosis. It is simply a description of where symptoms occur. Jaw pain may originate from the jaw muscles, the jaw joints, the cervical spine, headaches, sleep disorders, arthritis, nerve disorders, or a combination of factors. Successful treatment begins with identifying the underlying source of symptoms.

 

Diagnosis of TMJ Disorders

At The Center, the evaluation may include:

• Detailed review of medical and dental history

• Examination of the jaw joints and jaw muscles

• Assessment of jaw function and movement

• Screening for headache, neck, and sleep-related disorders

• Review of previous imaging and dental treatment

• Advanced imaging studies when indicated​

​

Effective TMJD Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and may include:

Education and Self-Management

• Activity modification

• Home stretching programs

• Thermal therapy

• Habit awareness training

Physical Medicine Approaches

• Physical therapy

• Trigger point injections

• Dry needling

• Botox for select muscular disorders

Oral Appliance Therapy

• Nightguards when appropriate

• Mandibular advancement devices when appropriate

Medical Management

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Muscle relaxants

• Neuromodulating medications

• Compounded topical medications

Joint Procedures

• TMJ injections

• Other minimally invasive procedures when indicated

 

​Dr. Jurash's unique background as both a Physical Therapist and Orofacial Pain Specialist provides a comprehensive understanding of how the jaw, muscles, head, neck, and nervous system work together. This perspective is particularly valuable when evaluating complex or persistent TMJ disorders.​