Understand that the pterygoids are the muscles of temporal joint pain. Both pterygoids originate from the sphenoid. When hypertonicity exists bilaterally the tendency is for the sphenoid to rotate on its horizontal axis. If one side is hypo and the other hypertoned, then there is a torque on the mandible and the sphenoid as well. There are many negative and far reaching consequences to any displacement of the sphenoid beyond the scope of this paper, but take note: this is not a good thing. Take a moment here and survey the tone of the pterygoids and psoas.

Due to the bodies default to balance there will always be a relationship to the pelvis, shoulder girdle and sphenoid position. Take the time to read this thoroughly if you practice any form of manual medicine. If you are suffering from TMJ, please contact someone experienced in these techniques to get your face and jaw back into balance immediately. You need not suffer any longer.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION (TMJ) OVERVIEW, ASSESSMENT
& TREATMENT
Clay Cox, Ph.D.
Board Certified in Diagnosis and Treatment of Soft Tissue Injuries Resulting from Motor Vehicle Accidents:
American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
Fellow Clinical Practitioner; American Academy of Pain Management
American Back Society Fellow
Certified Advanced Rolfer™
©2001
PREFACE

I practice Manual Medicine. My hands are the smartest part of me. My position is that those whom I have trained with and been trained by are physicians. Webster1 defines a physician as “any person or thing that heals, relieves, or comforts” and defines “heal” as “to make sound, well or healthy again; restore to health; to remedy or get rid of grief, troubles, etc.” After I examine my clients and their unique sets of conditions, I treat through education, words of guidance, numerous acts of God and a little manipulation. The purpose of this paper is to address a specific aspect of the latter.

I am presenting this paper with a tacit understanding that the reader is a trained professional in the field of health care. That is, you have a working knowledge of gross anatomy, are trained to identify and assess deviations in structure and function, and possess the basic manipulation skills required to address issues and restore function in a wide range of cases.
INTRODUCTION

For the purposes of this paper I will use the phrase “Temporomandibular Pain Disorder Syndrome” (TMPDS) for what has commonly been called “Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome.”

TMPDS is defined by a triad of primary symptoms:

Pain and tenderness of the muscles of mastication.

Joint sounds with jaw opening.

Limited mandibular movement.

Secondary characteristics include referred pain to other areas of the head causing headaches, and retro-orbital, bitemporal, and occipital pain.

My intention with this paper is to present an overview of TMPDS, offer instruction on how to identify it in your clients, and offer several treatment approaches and techniques that I have found useful in my practice. I also will present the case for taking a detailed case history and performing an adequate physical examination. An illustrated appendix is included that will help you understand more clearly what I am attempting to put down in words.

Continue reading TMJ – The Temporal Mandibular Junction, How To Fix It