Therapeutic treatments in Belfast & Hillsborough are injections performed by our experienced clinicians to provide relief from the symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), tooth grinding and headache/migraine.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) describes disorders of the jaw muscles and the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)- this is the hinge joint connecting your jaw to the base of the skull. TMD occurs when there is a problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones and joints from working harmoniously together- resulting in jaw pain (myalgia), headache/migraine, earaches, limited mouth motions, and jaw clicking, popping, or locking. There may also be pain in the face, shoulder, neck, or back.
What causes TMD?
There are multiple causes of TMD, and in many cases, the actual cause of this disorder may not be clear. A common factor, however, is ‘Bruxism’- the involuntary habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth. This causes too much strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. Bruxism is also a main cause of tooth wear and tooth fracture, as well as causing ‘widening’ of the jaw.
Other causes include: joint arthritis, psychological, sensory, genetic, and nervous system factors that may put a person at higher risk of developing chronic TMD.
How can treatment help?
Our experienced clinicians will take a detailed health history of symptoms and perform a physical examination of the muscles of the head and neck. Following this, a treatment plan will be discussed tailoring to the patient’s individual treatment needs.
Injections are targeted specifically at hyperactive muscles of the head, jaw and neck muscles. The secondary mechanism of action of this treatment also acts on the nerve pathways which control chronic pain.
