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			Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) - beter known as your jaw joint - is used to talk, bite, chew and yawn. The TMJ is a combination of bone, muscles and bite. Each part works with the other to create a balanced, working mechanism that smoothly opens and closes your jaw. If any one of the components is out of sync, you can experience a variety of symptoms. Joint Problems with the joint from injury or disease can lead to a moved or degenerated disc, or a loosening of ligaments whereby the cushioning effect of the disc is impaired. This can result in a clicking sound and/or pain where the TMJ is located. Muscle Muscle tension often results from stress, teeth clenching and poor posture. When muscles in your TMJ region tighten, the upper and lower jaw bones are pulled together placing pressure on the TMJ. Bite Bad or improper bites can cause bad posture in your jaw. This leads to poor alignment of the TMJ. Primary Symptoms Patient may experience a poorly localized dull joint pain which increases with chewing. Limitations in mouth opening and a joint clicking or popping may be present. In addition, muscle spasm or tension may present. Headache, earache or neck ache may also accompany TMJ symptoms. How can Physical Therapy of Sanibel help? Physical Therapy is often prescribed as part of your TMJ treatment program. Therapy may include mobilization of the TMJ to help release the joint and muscles, postural education to improve the alignment of your jaw and reduce pressure, ultrasound to reduce pain and swelling and to improve circulation and jaw exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion in your TMJ.