TMJ & Craniosacral Therapy

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome & CranioSacral Therapy Angela Tompkins Alternate Approaches to Disease at Everglades University Dr. Judith Thomson June 23, 2009

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TMJ & Craniosacral Therapy

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome & CranioSacral Therapy

Abstract: Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) is the dysfunction of the joint of the jaw bone affecting the body in many different painful ways. Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, non invasive, effective treatment for the disorder, focusing on the cerebral spinal fluid.

The Temporomandibular joint is the connection between the jawbone and the skull. More specifically, it connects the mandible to the temporal plate. This is said to be the most frequently used joint in the body moving 2000-3000 times per day. (Biel, 2005) The joint is equipped with an articular disc that allows the jaw to open more smoothly, assisting in all the movements the jaw is capable of. Sometimes there is a misalignment of the jaw or teeth and in more serious cases the cartilage may break down causing the bones to rub together. This can happen for a number of reasons; basically anything that puts unusual pressure on the joints. This could be from some kind of trauma, either it be a car accident, a blow to the jaw, an old childhood fall, etc. Very commonly it’s caused by clenching or grinding of the teeth, called bruxism. Stress, overuse like habitual gum chewing, or even a suppressed underlining emotional state, may cause the muscles in the jaw to chronically tighten. It may also be caused by loose ligaments surrounding the jaw that cause excessive movement between the bones, damage to the cartilage and possible dislocation of the joint. Also a common issue is due to the misalignment of the jaw or teeth creating a dysfunctional bite, called malocclusion. If the joints become asymmetrical in relations to

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TMJ & Craniosacral Therapy

one another for any reason, both sides then become malaligned surfaces resulting in mandibular imbalance and create wear and stress upon the joints, (Upledger, 2002). Also misalignments in other areas of the body, like in the spine and other places may cause referral and trigger points in the head and may be an underlining root cause of TMJ. It’s important to understand the root cause. TMJ dysfunction is often a secondary response to another problem elsewhere in the body and are frequently found in the craniosacral, nervous, musculoskeletal, myofascial, and masticatory systems, (Upledger, 2002). “The construction of the jaw is so intricate, it is easy for structures to become injured or improperly balanced”, (Werner, 2005). Some symptoms include jaw, neck and shoulder pain; limited range of motion in the jaw; stiffness, tenderness or pain in the jaw; popping in the jaw; locking of the joint; difficulty opening the mouth all the way; earaches; ringing of the ears; headaches; grinding teeth; in extreme cases locked jaw, either open or closed; and chronic misalignment of the cervical vertebrae, which may be a result of the muscular hypertonicity.

Craniosacral Therapy is a safe effective treatment for TMJ. “It is a gentle, non-invasive, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the body’s own natural healing mechanisms”, (Post, 2004). The focus of this work is of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and has a direct effect on the central nervous system. Craniosacral Therapy provides fast relief for people who suffer with TMJ and patients notice a change in their everyday activities soon after receiving treatment (Levine, 1996). The therapy uses techniques to release and balance the joints of the mandible bilaterally and releases the tension from the muscles and tendons. It

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TMJ & Craniosacral Therapy

balances all muscles of mastication therefore bruxism, disc position, and TMJ compression are all effectively addressed, according to John Upledger, the founder of Upledger Institute of Craniosacral Therapy. In many cases of TMJ, the temporal plates are the offenders rather than the mandible; therefore Craniosacral Therapy aims at releasing the temporal bones to restore normal function, regardless of the primary cause, (Upledger, 2002). Craniosacral Therapy is contraindicated for people recovering from a brain hemorrhage that may be affected negatively by the changes of the hydraulic forces in the skull. Stress reduction is incorporated into craniosacral work for TMJ to release the tension of the jaw and because of the wide range of health problems associated with chronic stress. Clenching the jaw is a natural response to increased stress. Craniosacral Therapy balances the autonomic nervous system to reduce sympathetic nerve tone. SomatoEmotional Release is a technique taught at the Upledger Institute, to help rid the mind and body of residual trauma and release adaptive patterns. Many times craniosacral therapists work with a team that may include massage therapist and psychotherapists to process the emotions that arise and to better assist the body’s natural healing process.

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TMJ & Craniosacral Therapy

References Balch, J, & Stengler, M (2004). Prescription for natural cures. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biel, A (2005). Trail guide to the body. third edition. Boulder, CO: Books of Discovery. Levine, M (1996). Craniosacral therapy and tmj pain. Retrieved 6/20/09, from Craniosacral therapy and tmj pain Web site http://www.marklevine.ca/Mark_Levine/Research___concern_specific/Entries/20 08/4/6_Craniosacral_Therapy_and_TMJ_Pain.html Post, D (2004). Craniosacral therapy I. San Diego, CA: Post Productions Upledger, J (2002). TMJ: primary problem, or tip of the iceberg. Massage Today.com, 02, Retrieved 6/20/09, from Werner, R (2005). A massage therapist's guide to pathology, third edition.. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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