CMD stands for Craniomandibular Dysfunction and describes a malfunction of the temporomandibular joint that can have far-reaching consequences. The diagnosis of CMD seems to have become more frequent in recent years, while at the same time the understanding of its causes and the treatment options are becoming more comprehensive. More and more people, especially working people, suffer from headaches, pain in the temporomandibular joint, pain when chewing, tinnitus and neck pain caused by a malfunction of the temporomandibular joint.
What is it – symptom/cause
CMD therapy means treatment of a craniomandibular dysfunction. The cranium (Latin) is the bone of the skull and the mandible (Latin) is the bone of the jaw. It is therefore a disorder in the area of the temporomandibular joint.
Even if it does not appear so at first glance, the temporomandibular joint can cause a variety of complaints. They range from pain when chewing and/or swallowing to headaches and lower back pain. There are also indications that tinnitus, dizziness and migraine can be triggered by CMD.
The causes are as complex as the symptoms of CMD. Possible causes can be found on both the structural and psychological levels. Congenital malposition of the teeth, the cervical spine and acquired bad posture can be the cause.
An improper bite places a continuous unbalanced load on the temporomandibular joint. If there is a problem in the cervical spine, this also has a direct effect on the position of the temporomandibular joint and thus its load. In addition to these physical causes, it is assumed that stress in particular affects the function of the temporomandibular joint.
People who are under pressure tend to press their teeth together or grind their teeth at night. It is therefore not surprising that painful trigger points form in the muscles responsible for closing the jaw. Once the musculature is painfully tense, the pressing becomes stronger again and it becomes difficult for the person affected to get rid of the pain without the help of specialist personnel. The following topics may be of interest to you in this regard:
- Stress – Are you also affected by it?
- Headaches caused by the cervical spine
- Neck pain help from physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy for children with teeth grinding/jaw tension
- Tinnitus
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