TMJ pain? What is behind CMD – and how physiotherapy can help

Many people complain of jaw pain, teeth grinding or tension headaches. They are usually unaware that the cause lies in the temporomandibular joint. Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) is a collective term for functional disorders in the masticatory system, i.e. the interaction between the temporomandibular joints, chewing muscles and teeth. CMD causes a variety of complaints and can be treated effectively with targeted physiotherapy and osteopathic methods.

What is CMD?

CMD describes a malfunction in the interaction between the jaw, skull and cervical spine. The cause can be structural (e.g. misaligned teeth, jaw misalignment), muscular (e.g. tension, overloading) or functional (e.g. unfavorable habits such as teeth grinding). The symptoms are frequently non-specific and are therefore often not associated with the jaw.

As the masticatory system is closely interconnected with other parts of the body, dysfunction in the jaw can have far-reaching consequences. The complaints not only affect the head and face area, but also extend to the neck, shoulder girdle and even the spine. A holistic view is therefore crucial.

Common symptoms of CMD

• Jaw pain, especially in the morning
• Cracking or rubbing in the temporomandibular joint
• Restrictions when opening the mouth or chewing
• Tension headaches, migraine-like complaints
• Neck pain and shoulder tension
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), feeling of pressure in the ear
• Dizziness, visual disturbances
• Teeth grinding (bruxism), teeth clenching (often at night)

CMD is often overlooked or only recognized late – especially if the symptoms are diffuse or show up in other parts of the body.

Why the jaw gets out of balance

The causes of CMD are usually multifactorial. Several factors often interact and reinforce each other:

• Dental aspects such as malocclusions, missing teeth, poorly fitted dentures or orthodontic misalignments.
• Mental stress: Tension, inner restlessness or emotional stress lead many people to unconsciously clench or grind their teeth – especially at night.
• Poor posture such as a hunched back, a stretched-out head (“cell phone neck”) or pelvic misalignment, which influence the tension in the muscle chains.
• Accidents and trauma – such as whiplash, a fall on the chin or a dislocation of the jaw – can trigger or exacerbate CMD.
• Functional disorders in body statics: Interactions between the jaw, diaphragm, pelvic floor and feet are particularly common.

How can physiotherapy help with CMD?

Physiotherapeutic treatment focuses on goals such as pain relief, restoration of function and long-term stabilization. In our practice, CMD therapy always begins with a detailed medical history in order to determine the individual causes and complaints.

Typical treatment approaches:

• Manual therapy: Targeted mobilization techniques are used to release joint blockages, improve the mobility of the temporomandibular joint and reduce tension.
• Soft tissue treatment: Muscle shortening and hardening, particularly in the area of the masticatory muscles (e.g. masseter, temporalis, pterygoid), are treated with trigger point techniques, friction and stretching.
• Posture analysis and correction: The entire musculoskeletal system is included in the therapy in order to correct tension patterns holistically. Incorrect posture in everyday life can worsen CMD in the long term.
• Exercise programs: Individual exercises promote jaw mobility, strengthen the postural muscles and support self-regulation.
• TMJ training at home: Special exercises help to independently regulate muscular imbalances and promote body awareness.

Osteopathy as an in-depth supplement

Osteopathic techniques complement physiotherapeutic treatment effectively – especially in the case of chronic or complex CMD progressions. Osteopathy takes all physical systems and their interactions into account.

• Craniosacral techniques: Tension in the cranial and neck area can be released using gentle impulses.
• Visceral techniques: Internal organs such as the stomach, diaphragm or pericardium can also generate tension that is transmitted to the jaw.
• Parietal osteopathy: The treatment of muscle and fascia lines throughout the body supports muscular balance.

Many patients find osteopathic therapy particularly beneficial and balancing – especially when CMD is accompanied by other complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders or inner restlessness.osteopathic techniques effectively complement physiotherapeutic treatment – especially in the case of chronic or complex CMD processes. Osteopathy takes all physical systems and their interactions into account.

• Craniosacral techniques: Tension in the cranial and neck area can be released using gentle impulses.
• Visceral techniques: Internal organs such as the stomach, diaphragm or pericardium can also generate tension that is transmitted to the jaw.
• Parietal osteopathy: The treatment of muscle and fascia lines throughout the body supports muscular balance.

Many patients find osteopathic therapy particularly beneficial and balancing – especially when CMD is accompanied by other complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders or inner restlessness.

Three simple exercises to do at home

Thanks for the tip! Here are three simple but effective exercises that patients with CMD can do at home to support their treatment. They match the style of your blog post and promote body awareness without being too demanding:

1. jaw loosening while sitting

Goal: Reduction of tension in the masticatory muscles (especially masseter)

This is how it works:

• Sit up straight.
• The lips are closed, the teeth do not touch.
• Breathe in and out calmly through your nose.
• Allow the lower jaw to drop down very loosely – without actively opening it.
• Hold the position for approx. 10 seconds, then slowly close your mouth.

Repetition: 5-10 times, 2-3× daily

2. train tongue position (tongue tip contact)

Objective: To promote the physiological resting position of the jaw

This is how it works:

• Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth – approximately at the point directly behind the upper incisors.
• Keep this position relaxed while the teeth are not touching.
• Breathe consciously and calmly.

Note: This position helps to avoid unconscious clenching – also ideal before falling asleep.

3. lateral flexion of the jaw with resistance (isometric)

Goal: Improve muscle balance right/left

This is how it works:

• Place your right hand gently on your right cheek.
• Now try to move the lower jaw to the right – at the same time press against it with your hand.
• The movement only takes place as a force impulse – there should be no visible movement.
• Hold the pressure for 5 seconds, then release.

Repetition: 5× per side, 1-2× per day

Conclusion: Recognize CMD early – treat it specifically

CMD can cause a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms and can significantly impair quality of life. The earlier the dysfunction is recognized and treated, the better the symptoms can be alleviated and consequential damage avoided.

With targeted physiotherapy and accompanying osteopathy, we offer you comprehensive, holistic treatment. Our aim is not only to alleviate your symptoms, but also to help you achieve greater physical balance and well-being.

Do you suspect that your complaints are related to your jaw? Feel free to make an appointment at our practice – we will take the time for a thorough analysis and individual, effective treatment.