Understanding the Most Common Types of TMJ Disorders (TMD)
Your Guide to Jaw Pain, Clicking, and How Physiotherapy Can Help
If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or difficulty opening your mouth, you may be dealing with a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and is responsible for movements like talking, chewing, and yawning. When something goes wrong in this joint, the result is often pain, dysfunction, or both.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common types of TMD, based on the RDC/TMD (Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders), and explain the typical treatment options available—especially those provided through physiotherapy.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders (TMD) are conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. These issues can arise from injury, teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, arthritis, or even structural imbalances in the jaw.
As a result, people with TMD often experience discomfort, restricted movement, or noise in the jaw.
Categories of TMD Based on RDC/TMD
To better understand and treat TMD, professionals often refer to the RDC/TMD classification, which organizes TMD into three main categories. Let’s look at each one in simple terms.
1. Muscle Disorders (Myofascial Pain)
This is the most common type of TMD and usually involves muscle-related pain.
Myofascial pain is caused by tension or overuse of the muscles that help you open and close your mouth. It typically shows up as a dull ache in the jaw, temples, or neck—and may be made worse by stress, teeth grinding, or long periods of talking or chewing.
🟢 Common Symptoms:
- Aching jaw muscles
- Pain that spreads to the neck or shoulders
- Limited jaw movement
- Pain triggered by chewing, stress, or jaw activity
2. Joint Disorders (Disc Displacement)
Next, we have problems related to the cartilage disc inside the TMJ.
In a healthy joint, this disc moves smoothly with the jaw. However, when the disc slips out of place (known as disc displacement), it can cause clicking or popping sounds. Sometimes, the disc doesn’t return to its normal position, which may cause the jaw to temporarily lock.
🟢 Common Symptoms:
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth
- Occasional or frequent jaw locking
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Sharp pain near the joint
3. Arthritis-Related Disorders (Inflammatory TMD)
Lastly, TMD can stem from arthritis—either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—affecting the jaw joint.
This leads to inflammation, joint stiffness, and long-term degeneration of the joint surfaces. Over time, it may become harder to open your mouth or chew comfortably.
🟢 Common Symptoms:
- Chronic jaw pain
- Morning stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Grinding or grating sounds in the joint
How is TMD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing TMD starts with understanding your medical history and symptoms. A physiotherapist trained in TMD will also perform a physical exam to assess:
- Jaw movement and alignment
- Muscle tension
- Joint noises
- Range of motion
In some cases, imaging such as X-rays or MRIs may be recommended to rule out other conditions.
How is TMD Treated?
The good news is that most TMD cases can be treated without surgery. With the right combination of care, symptoms often improve significantly.
🔹 Physiotherapy for TMD:
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective approaches for managing TMD. It focuses on reducing pain, restoring movement, and improving jaw function. Common techniques include:
- Manual therapy: Gentle joint mobilizations to improve movement
- Soft tissue release: Targeted massage to relieve muscle tension
- Jaw exercises: To strengthen, stretch, and re-train jaw muscles
- Postural correction: To reduce unnecessary strain on the jaw
- Education: Learning new habits to avoid clenching or grinding
🔹 Other Helpful Treatments:
In addition to physiotherapy, some people benefit from:
- Hot or cold therapy
- Custom dental splints or night guards
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Stress-reduction techniques, like mindfulness or breathing exercises
When combined, these treatments can help you manage symptoms more effectively and avoid future flare-ups.
When to See a Physiotherapist
So, when should you seek help? If you notice jaw pain, clicking, locking, or difficulty chewing, it’s a good idea to speak to a trained professional. A TMD-certified physiotherapist can assess your jaw, identify the underlying problem, and guide you through a personalized treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
Temporomandibular joint disorders can be frustrating, but they’re also highly manageable with the right support. Whether your TMD is caused by muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or inflammation, a skilled physiotherapist can help you relieve pain, improve function, and get back to your normal daily activities.
If you’re looking for TMJ physiotherapy in Edmonton, Empower Physiotherapy is here to help. Reach out to book your assessment and start feeling better—one step (and one bite) at a time.
