The jaw joint is called the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. It’s one of the most mobile joints in the human body, one of the most used<\/strong>, and also one of the least stable<\/strong>. Like all joints, TMJs have articular surfaces, synovial fluid, a capsule, ligaments, muscles, tendons and even a joint disc. These structures can lead to osteoarthritis, inflammation, capsular retraction, ligament laxity, muscle tension or joint locking as a result of disc displacement.<\/p>\n Depending on the study, TMJ pain affects between 30% and 50% of the adult population at some point in their lives. The ethiopathogenesis is multi-factorial, but mainly results from incoordinated or exaggerated muscular tension, responsible for ligament and capsular, disc and muscle damage. Pain is often accompanied by joint noises and creaking. TMJ problems can be caused by: traumatic injury such as a car accident or concussion, poor posture or dental work. Some headaches and neck problems can also be linked to TMJ problems. Physiotherapy rehabilitation of the temporomandibular joint reduces pain, increases mobility and reduces noise during occlusion and mouth opening. The physiotherapist uses manual therapy techniques, exercises and electrotherapy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> The TMJ has a disc between its 2 articular surfaces. Sometimes, as a result of mechanical problems, the disc will move forward. The noise we hear is the sound of the disc returning to its place. So no, a creak is not normal. Note that there’s nothing to worry about if the cracking is occasional and painless. If, however, there is an audible cracking sound with every chew, your TMJ will be more prone to blockage or wear out more quickly! Even if there’s little or no pain, it’s much easier for your physiotherapist to eliminate a simple crack than to wait several years for the problem to worsen, leaving your therapist with a lot of compensation to deal with.<\/p>\n<\/div> What are the indications for maxillofacial or jaw physiotherapy?<\/span><\/p><\/h2><\/div> The aims of maxillofacial physiotherapy are :<\/span><\/p><\/h2><\/div> Course of a maxillofacial physiotherapy session :<\/span><\/p><\/h2><\/div> During the session, a number of techniques can be used, such as :<\/p>\nDoes your jaw crack?<\/h2><\/div>
\n
\n
\n