What is TMJ Disorder?
One of the most essential joints of the human body is the Temporomandibular joint, which allows for some of the complex movements necessary for life. The two temporomandibular joints, along with the teeth and their supporting tissues, the mandible and maxilla, and the muscular, nervous, and vascular systems are known as the somatognathic system, which functions continuously in mastication, deglutition, speech, and respiration and in the maintenance of the posture of the head, mandible, tongue, and hyoid bone. Anatomical or neuromuscular derangements of the temporomandibular joint often lead to a vast group of clinical problems with or without pain in the somatognathic system, which is commonly called Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD).
What is the age range of TMJ Disorders?
Since symptoms peak between the ages of 20 and 40, this group's age is another factor that predisposes to the development of masticatory system disorders in students. The majority of TMD patients are females of breeding age. TMD is more common than ever during adolescence, with prevalence rates ranging from 7% to 30%. Researchers have found that women are more likely than men to have symptoms of masticatory system abnormalities. Psychological factors and hormonal changes in biology may be to blame for this. According to the study, students are significantly more stressed than the general population and have a far higher risk of developing TMD and oral dysfunction. Exams, presenting research papers, the requirement to become independent, financial challenges, studying while hunched down, and subpar study habits.
Discover how physiotherapy can transform your TMJ health at JaipurRehab.
The major symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) include
1. Masticatory pain
2. Headaches
3. Limited mandibular motion and deviation pattern
4. TMJ noises
5. Subluxation and/or jaw locking
6. Jaw functional limitations
7. Neck pain
8. Poor sleep quality
Etiology and Classification of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders have diverse causes, classified into three categories
- Inflammatory disease
- Intracapsular disorder
- Osteoarthritis
TMJ disorders present various clinical symptoms, including
- Facial pain
- Clicking or crepitus
- Myofascial pain
- Decreased jaw movement
- Trismus
- Muscle tenderness
If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, don't wait—visit Jaipur Rehab for expert care!
Diagnostic Procedures Of TMJ Disorders
Diagnosis of TMJ disorders typically requires at least two signs or symptoms. Comprehensive evaluations, including patient history and clinical examination, are essential in identifying the disorder.
Panaromic Radiography
It provides the practitioner with a useful tool for locating any periodontal or odontogenic causes of orofacial discomfort by displaying the jaws and the related structures. There is no mention of panoramic radiography in the RDC/TMD list of imaging methods. Due to the zygomatic arch and the base of the skull being superimposed, this approach can only evaluate the lateral half of the condyle. Using panoramic radiography, asymmetry of the condyles, degenerative bone alterations (only in late stages; it is insufficient for the early diagnosis of osseous modifications), Trauma, tumors, hyperplasia, hypoplasia, and hypoplasia can be assessed.
Simple Radiography
This consists of the TMJs' transcranial projection. To prevent the temporal bone and the opposing TMJ from being superimposed, several angulations are used. These include lateral oblique transcranial projections, anterior-posterior projections, submental-vertex projections, and transpharyngeal views. Due to the high radiation dose and the superposition of bone components, Parma's contact approach is not advised.

The advanced phases of degenerative joint disease can be visualised using plain radiography. Condyle position could also be evaluated, although even in asymptomatic populations, significant variations in condyle position in the glenoid fossa were seen.

Computerised Tomography
CT is considered to be the best method for assessing osseous pathologic conditions of TMJ. It allows a multi-planar reconstruction (sagittal, axial, coronal) of TMJ structures, obtaining 3D images in closed and opened-mouth positions. Signs of degenerative changes in the joint, like surface erosions, osteophytes, remodeling, subcortical sclerosis, and articular surface flattening, can be evaluated using CT. Wesetesson et al. found a sensitivity of 75 % and a specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of condylar bony changes.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI is currently considered the reference method for imaging the soft tissue structures of the TMJ (articular disc, synovial membrane, lateral pterygoid muscle) and has been pointed out as the best imaging modality in diagnosing disc displacements. MRI could also detect the early signs of TMJ dysfunction, like thickening of the anterior or posterior band, rupture of retrodiscal tissue, changes in the shape of the disc, and joint effusion.

Understanding Movement with Mobilization for Pain Relief
Mulligan (1999) introduced a way to understand how Movement with Mobilization (MWM) helps reduce pain quickly and improves movement. He believed that MWM works by fixing misalignments in the bones of a joint. When a joint is injured or not aligned properly, it can lead to problems with movement. By using MWM techniques, therapists can help realign the joint, which can lead to better movement and less pain.
Recent studies have built on Mulligan’s ideas, showing the benefits of physiotherapy programs that include MWM techniques. For example, research by Himanshu Mathur et al. (2022) focused on using Mulligan's anterior glide method for treating problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This technique involves gently moving the TMJ while the patient opens their mouth without pain, doing this for ten repetitions. The program also includes deep tissue massage for the temporalis muscle, energy techniques for certain jaw muscles, and exercises to tuck the chin, all done three times a day for three weeks.
Looking for effective TMJ disorder treatment in Jaipur? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Himanshu at Jaipur Rehab today!
Why Trust Jaipur Rehab for TMJ Disorder Treatment in Jaipur?
At Jaipur Rehab, we specialize in treating TMJ disorders through our tested methods, including regular exercise, massages, heat therapy, electrotherapy, and additional therapies. We understand the challenges you face every day and recommend you come to our clinic for a physiotherapy session to feel the relief yourself. For those seeking a physiotherapist in Mansarovar Jaipur, Our team at Jaipur Rehab is ready to support you.
About Dr. Himanshu Mathur
Dr. Himanshu Mathur is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at Jaipur National University and a PhD Scholar specializing in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. He is also the Director of Jaipur Rehab Physiotherapy Clinic and Jaipur Rehab Online Education in Physiotherapy. With a passion for helping others, Dr. Mathur combines his expertise and experience to provide quality care and education in physiotherapy.
Clinic Address
Shop No, 4, Patrakar Colony Rd, opposite Anand Mahal Marriage Garden, Goliyawas, Manyawas, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302020, India