FAQ

This known as disc dislocation with reduction. This means that the disc inside the jaw joint is not stable and may be more forward of the joint. You will click onto it in order to open your mouth fully and usually click off the back of it again when you close your mouth. This diagnosis may not require therapy, but if there is pain or you have moments where you are stuck and cannot get it to click, then therapy is indicated to assist with stabilizing the disc so that you do not become the next diagnosis of disc dislocation without reduction.

This diagnosis is known as disc dislocation without reduction. This means that usually prior to this you did have some clicking in the joint but no trouble with eating or speaking. However, one day when it clicked upon closing or you woke up this way, you could no longer open your mouth typically beyond two fingers. This diagnosis needs help typically by the physical therapy and your dentist as needed. A splint can be helpful once we get the disc to begin to move again. Physical therapy will help to release the muscle and improve the motion of the disc. Therapy will also give you the tools and maneuvers to correct the disc if it should happen again. This diagnosis has a good prognosis when treated early after the lock has occurred. The longer the lock remains the harder it can be but not impossible to assist.

Myalgia of the masticatory muscles. This means that you have tension and pain with what would be a spasm in the jaw muscles, typically the masseter and temporalis. This diagnosis can easily be assisted with physical therapy and may require some changes in your posture, work habits, sleeping postures, etc. to help you reduce the tension and irritation. The muscles can refer pain to the lower teeth, upper teeth, joint, ear, and under the jaw. All of this can be treated with physical therapy focused on releasing them and giving you strategies and techniques to do at home to help it stay better. This is very treatable and education will help you reduce the likelihood of it returning.

Sharp pain in the face can have various causes, but most are treatable with physical therapy. This type of pain may be related to the nerves, and the longer you have had pain, the more nerves can get involved. This feeling can be what is called neuropathic pain, meaning that the nerves are stimulated from other areas and are now shooting along the face (trigeminal nerve). This can originate from the back of the neck, the joint, the face, and many other areas. Physical therapy will focus on finding the source of the symptom and helping you reduce the trigger that causes the pain through education, exercise, and hands-on treatment to get the muscles to release.

Neck pain can arise from various sources, and understanding the tissue involved is crucial. - **Inside the joints of the neck:** Conditions like arthritis, joint irritation, or disc changes can cause pain. These issues can be managed with hands-on techniques, postural strengthening, stability exercises, and education on reducing tension. - **Outside the joints of the neck:** Ligaments and tendons may weaken over time due to arthritis, whiplash, or neck injuries, leading to tension changes. Improving prolonged postures, strengthening deep muscles for stability, and releasing tight muscles can help. - **Muscles of the neck:** Larger muscles often become tight to compensate for deeper issues. This "muscle guarding" requires deeper muscle strengthening rather than stretching. Therapy focuses on enhancing muscle endurance for daily tasks, reducing persistent tension in the neck and shoulders. Your specific condition will be discussed in detail during your examination to tailor the treatment plan to your needs.