CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER USING PHYSICAL THERAPY

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refer to a number of disease entities responsible for impaired function of temporomandibular system. They represent a various group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding tissues. Common symptoms include pain and jaw disfunction. Excluding the possibility of headache or sinus pathology, the diagnostic hypothesis is oriented towards TMDs, especially if the pain associates joints noises and limitation in jaw movements. Up to 70% of the general population experience at least one sign of TMDs, but few seek treatment. The etiology of TMDs is not known, but is generally agreed that a variety of conditions may influence the functionality of masticatory system, including biological, psychological, social and cognitive factors. First-line treatment involves noninvasive therapies, including physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, occlusal devices and most patients show improvement. This article reviews the clinical features of TMDs and the possibilities of treatment, focusing on physical therapy.

Keywords

• conservative treatments
• physical therapy.
• temporomandibular disorder