Crackling and blocking of the jaw

• What is the temporomandibular joint?
• Causes of jaw disorders
• Symptoms of disorders of the temporomandibular joint
• What are crackles?
• What is mandibular locking?
• Treatment of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular joint is one of the most important and complex joints in our body. It connects the mandible with the temporal bone, and between them there is an articular disc.

Problems with this joint lead to serious problems with the masticatory system, which we use every day when eating, speaking and chewing food.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

Temporomandibular joint it is associated with a number of muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. It connects the lower jaw with the skull.

It consists of the articular fossa of the temporal bone, the articular process of the mandible, the articular disc and the joint capsule. The articular disc is located between the condyle and the articular fossa.

When moving the lower jaw, the condyle of the lower jaw on both sides moves along with the disc.

If the disc was positioned incorrectly, the nerves and blood vessels would be compressed, causing pain. Therefore, it is thanks to the proper position of the articular disc that the proper functioning of the head, neck and shoulder muscles is ensured.

Causes of jaw disorders

Any pain sensation, crackling in the jaw, and blockage in the jaw are evidence of a malfunction temporomandibular joint.

Functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint can occur for many different reasons, including:

• malocclusion,
• grinding or clenching of teeth,
• missing teeth,
• posture defect,
• post-traumatic diseases,
• displacement of the articular disc with or without drainage,
• excessive or too little mobility,
• nail biting,
• degenerative diseases,
• neoplastic changes,
• acute inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint or joint capsule,
• sprain,
• stress.

Symptoms of disorders of the temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions manifested by pain when opening and closing the mouth and "pops" resulting from incorrect position of the jaw and displacement of the articular disc.

Please note that jaw pain may radiate to the surrounding area pre-ear and along the lower jaw.

The main symptoms of joint dysfunction are:

• crackling in the jaw
• grinding and clenching of teeth,
• jaw blockage,
• restriction or difficulty in making movements with the lower jaw,
• pain in the joint, neck, ears and head area,
• migraines,
• toothache
• hypertrophy of the masseter and temporal muscles.

What are crackles?

Joint cracks occur as a result of abnormal displacement of the articular disc during jaw movement.

An abnormal displacement of the disc is called subluxation, which occurs in the anteromedial direction. The jaw movement of opening and closing the mouth may generate one or two clicks.

The crackling sound may be painless at first, but it can be painful over time depending on the degree of deformation of the disc. Crackling sounds most often accompany eating and opening the mouth wide.

What is mandibular locking?

When the degree of deformation of the disc displacement is so high that the disc does not return to its proper position spontaneously, the so-called jaw locking occurs.

Locking of the jaw occurs as a result of a mechanical obstruction in the form of a disc and may be painful.

There are two types of jaw locking: jaw opening, where the patient cannot open his mouth wide, and jaw locking, where the patient cannot close his mouth.

Treatment of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint

For each patient, the treatment method is selected individually depending on the cause of the disease.

Treatment of the temporomandibular joint it is complicated due to its location, it consists in treating the cause of the joint dysfunction and the learned habits. Physiotherapy it is recommended to relax joints and improve muscle flexibility.

Nasi physiotherapists offer various methods of treatment through rehabilitation of the temporomandibular joints, which is used to restore proper joint mobility and improve blood supply and muscle function.

By undergoing treatment, you can benefit from many benefits, including: reducing teeth grinding, avoiding headache, joints and neck, getting a good night's sleep, and lowering the tone of the cheek muscles.

Nasi physiotherapists in Szczecin are at your disposal. Contact us to arrange a consultation or treatment in the field rehabilitation of the temporomandibular joint.