TMJ Blog

How to Find a TMJ Specialist

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (known as TMJ disorder or TMD) is a widespread and complex disorder that affects at least 1 out of 12 people in the United States, which equates to about 35 million people. This statistic is low since there are countless undiagnosed cases of TMJ / TMD. Women in their childbearing years make up for 90 percent of the people seeking treatment. Only 50 to 60 percent of people suffering with jaw pain actually seek treatment. Those who don’t, often develop more chronic symptoms of TMJ disorder.

Why Is My TMJ Acting Up?

TMJ disorder or TMD is a pain disorder that can be described as dull pain in the TMJ (jaw joint) and surrounding areas such as ears, neck and shoulders. TMJ pain can start with a small pain in the temple that occurs when yawning, but can lead to daily migraines, eating problems and permanent damage to the teeth. It can even affect speech and sleep. Researchers are now finding that sleep apnea is related to TMJ disorders.

TMJ Disorders: Do You Chew On One Side Of Your Mouth?

Chewing food on one side of your mouth is called habitual chewing side syndrome. One-sided chewing can be detrimental to your health leading to jaw problems including TMJ pain, TMJ headaches and TMJ ear pain. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. You have two of them on each side of our face. The TMJs connect the skull to the jawbone and are necessary for chewing, along with the surrounding muscles in the lower face. 

Magnesium and Jaw Pain

Does magnesium help jaw problems? 

Jaw problems stemming from the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and surrounding muscles can cause TMJ pain, TMJ headaches, TMJ ear pain and other issues. Bad habits such as poor posture, chewing on one side of the mouth, night-time teeth grinding and clenching are destined to have a detrimental effect on the joints and muscles in the jaw, neck and behind the ears. There is no single food or nutrient for supporting joint health. Exercising, eating a well-balanced diet rich in plant foods, and self-care are important in keeping your joints healthy.

Meet Katie Pudhorodsky, LMT, TMJ Massage Specialist

TJz™ is proud to partner with Katie Pudhorodsky, LMT, a licensed structural massage therapist with 18 years of experience practicing in Austin, Texas. Katie is most enthusiastic about helping those with head, neck and jaw problems and is one of the most passionate TMJ massage therapists in the country.  After TMJ and headache management became her niche she developed an online course to offer advice to reach beyond her immediate community.