Temporo-mandibular (the jaw joints) dysfunction is extremely common and in many ways is easier to take into consideration and address when it manifests with locally expressed discomfort. However, the TMJ realm can also play a substantial role in many other symptomatic manifestations, such as persistent headache and migraine patterns, pelvic imbalance and hip joint dysfunction as well as chronic imbalance and weakness in the ankles. In this latter group of imbalances the TMJ is often not regarded as a key player and at times completely overlooked as both TM joints might not be manifesting locally expressed pain and discomfort despite the presence of inherently held tension patterns that have a far-reaching effect.
The total neurological input to the brain from sensory and proprioceptor nerves during mandibular motion ultimately acts as a significant pattern setter via the sensory cortex to the motor cortex. Approximately 38% of motor muscle activity particularly in the neck, the pectoral muscles and the pelvic region is directly influenced by TMJ dynamics.
These dynamics are often caused by a complex layering of physical and emotional triggers, which are directly interwoven with the feedback loop dynamics of the autonomic nervous system. Often subconscious emotional themes can activate hypertonicity within the muscles of the TMJ mechanism, thus causing teeth clenching (bruxism) at night or even during the day in its more extreme form. This hypertonicity in turn signals the sympathetic nervous system into further arousal, thus causing a reflex loop that can result in significant discomfort and dysfunction such as debilitating neck pain, headaches and pelvic imbalance.
When a client presents with TMJ imbalance and discomfort that has not been relieved by dental work or splints, it becomes the interesting work of the bodywork therapist to assess and treat this condition from a holistic perspective: As osteopaths Upledger, Attlee and Liem have indicated in their extensive explorations of TMJ dysfunction these significant joints are not only influenced and affected by the dental realm but are usually a symptomatic manifestation of deeply held patterns rather than a primary cause of imbalance.
Emotional and mental stress are significant contributors to TMJ dysfunction and if not taken into account, the treatment process will most likely not lead to an effective resolution of the condition. A whole spectrum needs to be considered that might be affecting the client: trauma, stress, psycho-emotional factors, teeth grinding, balance and integration of the structural apparatus, but most significantly the integration of the whole person.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive bodywork modality that takes all these factors into consideration. It directly engages with the inherent capacity of the body for self-regulation to assist in the release of deeply held restrictive patterns. Pain and discomfort is thus eased and joint structures such as the TMJ is supported towards improved functionality.
Conny Pulvermacher is a qualified craniosacral therapist at Elemental Health in St Ives, with a special interest in supporting clients with TMJ disorders, headaches, and nervous system imbalances.
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, tension, or TMJ-related symptoms and would like to explore how craniosacral therapy can help, book an appointment with Conny here.