TMJ/TMD - Case Profile

Profile
40-year-old male whose IT job requires that he work seated at a computer for 8-11 hours per day came to 360 NMT to address his chronic headaches and jaw pain. He had a history of jaw clenching and teeth grinding at night and used a night guard to protect his teeth from further damage. Postural Analysis found forward head posture with moderate kyphosis. His head and neck were also rotating right with an elevated right shoulder. This postural deviation was mimicking his desk position at work – his computer was slightly to the right, and he used his right hand to mouse.

Treatment
NMT was applied to left SCM to help unwind neck rotation. Shoulder elevation was treated by increasing length in upper trapezius and levator scapula muscles. Trigger points found in external masseter and temporalis muscles reproduced headaches. Gloved intra-oral techniques for lateral and medial pterygoid muscles helped further release jaw tension. Pec Minor and anterior/posterior neck muscles were also treated to improve forward head posture.

Result
Change in desk ergonomics and NMT treatment helped reduce daily pain. After four treatments, the headaches abated. Instructions were given for self-massage to the TMJ region, which reduced night clenching. Recommendations were made for upper back strengthening to improve kyphosis. Client continues to come in once a month for maintenance.

360 NMT always checks for postural dysfunction that adversely affects TMD. If pain perpetuates after traditional dental bite splint therapy has been applied, re-educating the postural muscles is often a successful treatment strategy to alleviate excessive tension on the jaw joint.