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732- 494-5999
Book An Appointment
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Book An Appointment

TMJ Disc Displacement: Understanding Jaw Movement

Health Plus PT

Your jaw moves thousands of times each day when you talk, chew, yawn, and swallow. Behind these movements is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a small but complex joint that connects your jawbone to your skull.

When the small disc inside the TMJ changes position, it can contribute to clicking, stiffness, limited movement, or jaw discomfort. Understanding how the joint works can help you recognize when professional evaluation may be useful.  

How Does the TMJ Work?

The TMJ works like a combination of a hinge and sliding joint. The rounded end of the jawbone, called the condyle, moves within the temporal bone of the skull.

A small fibrocartilaginous disc sits between these surfaces. The disc helps distribute forces and allows the jaw to move smoothly during:

– Opening and closing

– Chewing

– Speaking

– Yawning

– Side-to-side jaw movements

Normal jaw movement requires coordination between the joint, disc, muscles, and surrounding tissues. 

What Is TMJ Disc Displacement?

TMJ disc displacement occurs when the articular disc is positioned differently from its typical relationship with the jaw joint.

One common pattern is disc displacement with reduction. In this situation, the disc may move out of its usual position but return during jaw movement. This can sometimes produce a noticeable clicking or popping sound.

Another pattern is disc displacement without reduction, where the disc does not return to its usual position during movement. This may be associated with restricted jaw opening or changes in how the jaw moves.

Not everyone with disc displacement experiences pain or requires treatment. 

Why Can the Jaw Start Clicking?

A clicking sound can occur when the condyle moves relative to a displaced disc during opening or closing.

Jaw clicking may also have other causes, so a sound alone does not confirm disc displacement. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and jaw movement to determine whether further assessment is appropriate. 

Symptoms to Watch For

TMJ-related problems can vary from person to person. Possible symptoms include:

– Jaw clicking or popping

– Difficulty opening the mouth fully

– Jaw stiffness

– Pain while chewing

– Facial or jaw muscle tension

– Changes in the way the jaw moves

– Ear-area discomfort or a feeling of fullness

Persistent or worsening symptoms deserve professional evaluation. 

How Physical Therapy May Help

Depending on the cause of your symptoms, physical therapy may focus on improving jaw and neck movement, reducing muscle tension, and restoring comfortable movement.

A physical therapist may use:

– Gentle manual therapy

– Jaw and cervical mobility exercises

– Muscle coordination exercises

– Postural education

– Relaxation and breathing strategies

– Personalized home exercises

Treatment should be based on an individual assessment rather than assuming that every jaw click requires the same approach. 

Start Your Recovery at HealthPlus Physical Therapy

At Health Plus Physical Therapy, individualized therapy can address movement, muscle function, and mobility based on your specific needs. If jaw or neck symptoms are affecting your daily activities, a professional evaluation can help determine appropriate next steps.

– Schedule You Appointment with Health Plus Physical Therapy

– Contact us today to get started and book your appointment!

– Location: 2114 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820

TMJ disc displacement occurs when the small cartilage disc inside the temporomandibular joint moves from its usual position. It may or may not cause pain or other symptoms.

Jaw clicking can occur when the joint disc and jawbone move in relation to each other during opening or closing. Clicking alone does not always mean there is a serious problem.

It can be associated with jaw pain, stiffness, limited movement, or discomfort while chewing. However, symptoms vary between individuals.

Depending on the cause of the symptoms, physical therapy may help improve jaw and neck mobility, reduce muscle tension, and support better movement coordination.

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