Makaya Massage & Body Work

By Linda Wells, M.Ed, RMT

While there are many treatments for jaw-related pain, CranioSacral Therapy may be a good first step towards relief for many people. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, or TMJ, is characterized as clicking or popping of the jaw, limited motion in the jaw, zigzag movements associated with jaw movement and/or general pain in the jaw and neck area. The actual cause of this dysfunction may relate directly to the joint or it may be an effect of dysfunction elsewhere in the body. Always, it is unique and different for each individual.

The Temporomandibular joint connects the temporal bones on each side of the head with a single bone called the mandible (the jaw bone). Thus the name Temporo – Mandibular (temporal bones and mandible bone).  The joint should be able to move up and down as well as forward and backward freely, with no pain or clicking. If one side or the other becomes compressed or torqued, the joint will become stressed and will not function properly.

Sometimes the problem is an easy one to diagnose and fix. It can be as simple as a tight muscle. Often, however, the problem is more complex. Because the jaw is just one part of our whole body system, the pain felt there could be the result of tension or dysfunction anywhere in the body. In addition to tight muscles in the neck or face area, other causes of pain or clicking in the jaw can come from:

•    Tight fascia in the shoulders, neck or face area
•    Compression in the temporomandibular joint
•    Deterioration of the interarticular disc
•    Damage to the bony surfaces on either side of the head
•    Past injury or trauma anywhere in the body
•    Prior dental procedures
•    Postural misalignment
•    Uneven pelvis/sacrum
•    Emotional stress

This is by no means a complete list of causes. Typically, there are many contributing factors to TMJ pain. Your CranioSacral therapist should be able to evaluate your symptoms and your body to determine a treatment plan for you. Many therapists are also happy to collaborate with your dentist in order to provide you with the best overall outcome.

Most people find at least some relief after only one CranioSacral therapy treatment. Further or complete relief can take more treatments. As stated earlier, everyone is different and everybody’s treatment plan will be different. However, it is very possible that CranioSacral therapy could be a simple, non-invasive way to correct your jaw-related pain.

I would be happy to schedule an appointment with you in my Edwards office. Please phone me at 970-471-0041 to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Linda Wells, M.Ed, RMT
Makaya Massage & Body Work
137 Main Street, Riverwalk Diamond Building, O-201
Edwards, CO
970-471-0041

Linda Wells is the owner of Makaya Massage and Body Work. She has been studying health and wellness since 1993. Linda holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology and is a Registered Massage Therapist. She received her CranioSacral Therapy training from the Upledger Institute which is recognized world wide for it’s ground breaking continuing education programs, clinical research and therapeutic services.