Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a painful condition that occurs in your jawbone (the temporomandibular joint). When your jawbone is compromised, it can affect different areas of your body, including your ears. In this article, we will discuss how proper treatment can help with ear pain.
At P3 Physical Therapy, TMJ treatment in El Paso is one of the several services we offer. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in or around your jaw, TMD is a possible culprit. To speak with one of our doctors, call us today at (915)-444-5200.
Ear Pain and TMJ
If you have ear pain sometimes, TMD is to blame. The TMJ is located on both sides of your jaw, in front of your ears. There are tons of ligaments and muscles surrounding this area, and due to how often we use this joint, it can become strained from excessive stress.
Symptoms
When TMJ and ear pain are working hand in hand, the affected person may experience high levels of stress, pain, and pressure. Additional symptoms of these combined disorders can be:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- And an overall poor quality of life
Indicators of TMD as a whole will look like:
- Limited jaw movement
- Jaw popping/clicking
- Pain when chewing or yawning
- Facial discomfort in the cheeks or temples, in addition to the ears
- Toothaches
- Lock-jaw (you can’t open or close your mouth)
- Swelling around the jaw
- Difficulty swallowing
- Your teeth don’t fit together when relaxed
Treatment
At P3, we believe that physical therapy plays an important role in ear pain and TMJ treatment. Many of our techniques can alleviate or completely get rid of ear pain and ringing. These include:
- Changing to a soft foods diet
- Jaw muscle exercises that strengthen and stretch
- Dry needling
- Neck and posture stretching and strengthening exercises
- Shoulder strengthening exercises
Our individual treatment plans are catered to each patient, depending on their experience battling TMD. To more efficiently battle your symptoms, we will combine different therapeutic techniques that focus on jaw movement, fix muscular imbalances, and reduce inflammation.
TMJ Treatment in El Paso
At P3 Physical Therapy, our TMJ treatment plans in El Paso can help give you a better quality of life. Whether the pain is in your ears, neck, jaw, or face, we can help alleviate your symptoms. Call us today at (915)-444-5200 to schedule an appointment.
