The jaw is a common area of pain affecting 15 percent of adults, primarily those aged 20 to 40. Women are 1 ½ to 2 times more likely to have jaw pain than men (Gauer et al.), commonly referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

The jaw is a powerful joint consisting of a bilateral hinged joint where the mandible (jawbone) meets the skull, an intra-articular disc, and several muscles. When problems arise, it often affects the way we eat, talk, and yawn.

Pain in this area usually stems from either an intra-articular (inside the joint) or extra-articular (outside the joint) source. Intra-articular causes of pain include arthritis and/or disc problems. Extra-articular causes of pain typically involve muscular overactivity, which we classify as TMJ myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

To diagnose someone with TMJ MPS disorder, one or more of the following signs or symptoms should be present:

  • Pain or aching in the TMJ area
  • Pain upon touching the TMJ muscles
  • Limited range of motion or variation of jaw movement when opening the mouth
  • Joint sounds
  • Headache

How can dry needling help?

Dry needling is a therapy intervention that uses small monofilament needles without medication to target muscle, tendon, ligaments, connective tissue, fascia, and peripheral nerves to manage musculoskeletal pain syndromes. It is combined with manual or electrical stimulation, which helps increase blood flow and the effectiveness of dry needling.

Dry needling can be helpful when the primary source of pain arises from the masticatory muscles (temporalis, masseter, and medial and lateral pterygoids) and conservative measures of treatment such as massage, relaxation exercises, postural re-education, and modalities have failed to be helpful on their own.

Dry needling to the deep masseter and lateral pterygoids has shown to have meaningful improvement in jaw pain, mouth opening, and reduction in headache symptoms (La Touche et al., 2010) (Gonzalez-Perez et al., 2015). 

When patients describe their pain to their healthcare provider, they often assume that the pain source is the same as its location. Unfortunately, the pain can stem from another location. For example, 28 percent of people report that their jaw symptoms worsened when their neck pain worsened. It is also common for the cervical spine to play a role in orofacial pain.

An evaluation by a trained professional is always recommended to determine the root cause of pain and the specific type of treatment that is best for you. If you have questions about our dry needling therapy services or would like to request an appointment, please contact us on our website or call (804) 764-1000.

References:

Gauer RL, Semidev MJ. (2015). Diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Am Fam Physician, 91:378-386

Gonzalez-Perez, L., Infante-Cossio, P., Granados-Nuñez, M., & Urresti-Lopez, F. (2015). Treatment of temporomandibular myofascial pain with deep dry needling. Medicina Oral, Patología Oral Y Cirugía Bucal, 17(5), e781-e785.

La Touche et al.  (2010) Short term effects of dry needling of active myofascial triggerpoints in the masseter muscle in patients with temporomandibular disorder.  Journal Orofacial Pain, 24(1): 106-12.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

How to Maximize Physical Therapy Visits from Insurance

As a new year begins, so do new health insurance deductibles and benefits. It’s important to be aware of your healthcare expenses to plan for the year ahead. For those seeking physical rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, it’s important to remember that health insurance may not cover unlimited sessions. Understanding how to make the most of your visits covered by insurance is key to maximizing your benefits. Read on to learn how you can get the most out of your therapy visits while extending the time spent on your recovery to achieve your goals.

Tips To Cure Winter Boredom

It’s common to feel bored during the winter months when you’re spending more time indoors and routines shift. However, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged and have fun at home. From boosting mental sharpness to connecting with others, these activities can help turn boredom into an opportunity for growth and enjoyment.

Identifying & Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

An injury to the rotator cuff, or the group of four muscles that help to stabilize your shoulder and allow you to move your arm different directions such as overhead and behind your back, is a common cause of pain among adults. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of adults over age 60 have a rotator cuff tear. Rotator injuries can occur from a traumatic event like a fall; however, it is also common for rotator cuff injuries to develop over time from repetitive use.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Scoliosis

Imagine seeing a tree defiantly growing sideways in your yard, prompting thoughts of how to redirect its growth. In a parallel scenario, teenagers with scoliosis exhibit a noticeable trunk shift in their posture. However, the journey to rectifying their upright stance delves into a realm of complexity and intricacy. Proprioception, the body’s innate sense of movement and position, is the key to unlocking proper posture. Through targeted exercises and activities that enhance balance, coordination, and body awareness, we can reshape the way the brain perceives postural alignment.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.