TMJ treatment in physiotherapy Berlin-Mitte – Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD)

Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) generally refers to a malfunction of the temporomandibular joint along with the muscles and bones involved. About eight percent of the German population is affected by this disease.

Diffuse pain in the head, neck as well as back and knee pain, teeth grinding, dizziness or tinnitus as well as many other symptoms can be attributed to craniomandibular dysfunction. Targeted therapy methods of physiotherapy, such as special CMD TMJ treatments, which we also perform in our practice in Berlin-Mitte, can contribute to a successful treatment of the complex symptoms of CMD.

TMJ treatment in Berlin-Mitte – Physiotherapie Marsch

Many people suffer from pain in the jaw joint and do not know that there is a treatment option. TMJ treatment is a relatively new treatment method, but it is very successful.

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. If this joint is not working properly, it can cause pain in the face, head and neck. Treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (CMD) is an important part of treating TMJ pain.

To treat CMD, craniomandibular dysfunction syndrome (CMS) must be identified. CMS is a syndrome in which there is pain in the face or head. There are many factors that can trigger the CMS.
The most common are:

• Sleep apnea (cessation of breathing during sleep)
• Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
• Allergies (asthma)
• Stress (overwork, anxiety, depression)
• Teeth grinding or jaw movement at night or during exertion
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (CMD), which causes pain in the face.

Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD)

CMD TMJ treatment varies depending on the area of complaint and pain. And since there is no typical leading symptom that affects all patients equally, the treatment in our practice in Berlin-Mitte is specifically and concretely tailored to the individual patient. However, this first requires a clinical functional analysis in which the masticatory and head muscles are manually examined and which also takes previous diseases into account.

Causes of temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders can have many causes. Often it is a malfunction of the temporomandibular joint itself that causes pain and discomfort. This dysfunction can be congenital or develop in the course of life.
The most common causes include:

• Trauma: An accident or blow to the chin can damage the temporomandibular joint and cause pain.
• Muscle tension: Tension in the muscles around the jaw joint can cause pain and discomfort. These tensions can be caused by stress, teeth grinding or other factors.
• Changes in the temporomandibular joint: In the course of life, the bones and joints in the face can change. This can affect the temporomandibular joint and lead to pain.
• Joint inflammation: The joints in the face can become inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by bacteria, viruses or other factors.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a disease in which the joints are inflamed. This condition can cause pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint.
• Tumors: Tumors or growths in the temporomandibular joint can lead to pain.

Treatment options for temporomandibular joint disorders

In Berlin-Mitte, there are various treatment options for temporomandibular joint disorders. The most common treatment is the so-called conservative treatment. This usually involves the use of splints or cotter pins to relieve pressure on the joints in order to relieve pain. In more severe cases, surgery may also be necessary.

Individual therapy for CMD

By palpating and applying pressure, some muscle areas respond with pain so that hardened muscle areas can be identified. Further examinations, such as the patient’s body or head posture, can lead to further conclusions that may indicate a CMD disorder. The goal of our practice in Berlin-Mitte is to eliminate the pain in the long term with the help of targeted CMD TMJ treatment, which can include heat applications, massages or stretching exercises.

If the results of the clinical functional analysis indicate disorders in the masticatory system, an instrumental functional analysis can also be considered. Modern measuring devices can record small displacements or movements of the mandible that deviate from the norm in this way. This also allows the detection of malocclusion, which can occur when the upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly.

After a thorough examination, CMD can often be effectively treated with simple tools, such as an occlusal splint, relaxation exercises or physical therapy. For a quick and long-term therapeutic success, we therefore also work closely with specialized dentists in our practice for physiotherapy.