Temporomandibular joint, also known as jaw joint; It is called the common region that includes the chewing muscles, jaw
joint and all structures associated with this region
. In this region, the lower end of the temporal bone is connected to the upper end of the mandible (lower jaw,
movable, part).
In our daily activities, while eating, talking, breathing and
On average, we use it 2000 times a day while breastfeeding. On average
34% of people suffer from jaw pain or problems at least once in their lives
Japan joint irregularity or dysfunction (temporomandibular dysfunction,
p>
TMD) is the general name for disorders that occur due to irregularity or disharmony in these structures
.
While the average mouth opening in normal individuals is 4.5 cm, those with TMD problems
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In patients, this value remains below 3.5 cm. In the form of average measurement
the individual must enter his mouth comfortably with 3 fingers upright.
Since it interacts with various muscle groups around the jaw joint, it is anatomically
and functionally It is in close relations with the tongue area, neck area, throat area, back area and head area. Although pain and problems in these areas affect the jaw
joint, problems in the jaw joint can also affect these areas
.
Teeth clenching (Pressen, Clenching): During the day, the individual As he is aware,
it is the problem of bringing the teeth into contact with each other on both sides of the mouth. It is closely related to stress
. There is an increase in stressful situations. It is seen at a higher rate in men
than in women. Although plaque is recommended by dentists for these individuals. With physiotherapy and manual therapy, muscle relaxation is applied by increasing awareness in these individuals.
Bruxism (teeth grinding): After involuntary muscle activities similar to teeth clenching and rhythmic chewing movements
is formed. It is manifested by the filing and flattening of the back molars of these individuals, white lines inside the mouth due to biting the gums, and tongue clenching movements. These individuals have tired cheeks, especially when they wake up in the morning. They feel tension and tension.
In fact, many individuals hear these sounds from the people next to them and can wake up from these sounds
. During the day, they unconsciously try to relax by holding a tea cup or coffee cup
to their cheek.
Reasons: Psychological problems, stress, previous trauma, jaw surgeries, dental
problems. It can cause problems such as nail biting and cheek biting.
Problems it causes: Headache, migraine, neck pain, jaw fatigue,
Feeling of heaviness and pain in the shoulders, limitation of neck movement. .
It can also cause disorders such as dizziness, tinnitus and fibromyalgia.
Disorders that occur in the jaw joint generally manifest themselves in three ways. /p>
It is evident.
1- Pain and sensitivity of chewing muscles: Muscle balance is disrupted, usually due to teeth clenching or
irregularity in the joint, so
fatigue and pain occur in the muscles.
2- Joint pain: irregular opening and closing of the jaw joint both
damages the disc located between the joint and the structure of the joint
disrupts. Long-term continuation of this problem manifests as pain in the joint.
3- Cracking sound coming from the joint: decrease in the lubricity of the disc, destruction of the joint
or displacement of the disc.
A crepitation sound may be heard depending on whether it changes and comes out of its socket.
***When any of these problems occur, you must first consult your dentist
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The importance of physiotherapy or exercise in the jaw joint:
Since the jaw joint is surrounded by many muscle groups and is in close relationship with the neck region, any discomfort in the muscles or neck can directly affect the jaw. /p>
It can be reflected as pain in the joint and disrupt the balance of that area.
With physiotherapy or exercises, it is also possible to relax the muscles around the jaw that are contracted to protect the area.
It also strengthens the muscles that have lost or decreased their ability
to re-create the muscular balance around the jaw joint
In addition, since the nerves going to the jaw joint and surrounding muscles exit from the neck region, we should not ignore this area.
Manual therapy and exercises applied to the neck area
as well as exercise methods applied to the muscles around the joint
allow us to regulate the blood flow to the jaw joint, allowing the joint to move correctly and painlessly.
We can provide it.
Who can apply it?
It is especially applied by Temporomandibular joint therapists who have received training on this subject and have an internationally valid certificate.
. Although these
methods are applied by very few people in Turkey, they have slowly
began to be implemented in our country. It can often be applied by Temporomandibular joint therapists, physiotherapists and manual
therapists working together with dentists in Europe.
***Physiotherapy, exercise or manual therapy on the jaw joint. Before deciding on therapy applications, your dentist must decide that there is no other underlying problem for your jaw joint disorder.
In addition, a diagnosis of jaw joint problem (temporomandibular joint
dysfunction) must be made.
Evaluation of the jaw joint in terms of exercise and manual therapy
The temporomandibular joint therapist examines the facial features. The applications to be made are decided after the asymmetries, pain
points, hard points, popping sounds, mouth movement sizes are measured in detail
.
The application period for the jaw joint problem. and frequency
Although it is generally applied for a maximum of 4 sessions, each session lasts approximately 1
hour. In this method, relaxation, a change in the amount of movement and a decrease in pain are expected after each application.
Home exercises
One of the most important parts of this application is that you will do it yourself at home
exercises. After the necessary muscles are relaxed by the temporomandibular joint therapist and the joint movements begin to be provided correctly
the necessary head, In order for the neck, teeth and tongue positions to be fully established, home exercises must be performed and prohibited movements must be avoided.
For example: long-term chewing of gum, biting a pencil. It is necessary to avoid habits and movements that keep the neck forward. Hard objects should not be eaten during the application. The movements must be performed in a pain-free position.
Some examples of exercises to be done at home after the applications:
-Pucker your lips
-Try to look at your right shoulder and left shoulder by stretching the back of your head.
-Whistle
-Lift your nose
-Try to touch your tongue to your back teeth.
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