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CMD cracking in the jaw Special exercises against tension relieve discomfort
Do you often suffer from headaches, chewing problems or jaw cracking? Then you may have cranio mandibular dysfunction (CMD). This is an umbrella term that summarizes various dysregulations of the temporomandibular joint and its muscles and bones. In an interview with the news agency "dpa", experts explain which complaints are typical for a CMD and what those affected can do about it.
Characteristic are pain and dysfunctions
Whether jaw pain, an unmistakable crack during morning yawning, increased teeth grinding or difficulty opening the mouth: All these symptoms may indicate a so-called "cranio mandibular dysfunction" (CMD). Dentists use this term to denote various functional disorders of the jaw, which are very common in Germany. "Two symptoms are in the foreground, namely pain and dysfunction. The pain affects the various areas of the chewing organ, the dysfunction refers to teeth, temporomandibular joints and jaw movement "," explains Oliver Ahlers from the CMD-Center Hamburg-Eppendorf to the news agency "dpa".
Pains and pops in the jaw can be an important indication of cranio mandibular dysfunction. (Image: ALDECAstudio / fotolia.com) Various chronic complaints possible
The complaints can accordingly be of a very different kind and severity. While the one e.g. suffering from ongoing jaw and tooth pain, occur in other victims constantly cracking and rubbing noises as soon as the jaw moves. Others notice that they can no longer open their mouths properly and that chewing suddenly causes pain. In addition to discomforting facial pains, radiating pains in the head, neck, back or shoulders are common. Other possible symptoms include earache and tinnitus, dizziness, dysphagia, impaired vision, and a stinging in the chest due to tension in the back.
For pain and jaw problems to the doctor
Signs of CMD occur in up to 28 percent of the population, reports the "dpa". This resulted in the so-called "SHIP study" of the University of Greifswald, for which 8,700 participants were examined as part of a long-term study on the state of health of the people in the Western Pomerania region. Not everyone is in pain, on the contrary, many do not have any discomfort or merely notice minimal malfunction of the jaw, when e.g. when yawning loud crack. In about three percent of the population, however, according to various studies, there would be a form of CMD requiring treatment, explains Ingrid Peroz. The expert is President of the German Society for Functional Diagnostics and Therapy in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGFDT).
According to Ingrid Peroz, as soon as pain occurs and / or the lower jaw can no longer move freely, a dentist should be consulted, who will make a diagnosis based on several steps. "First of all, it has to be ruled out that classic dental diseases such as caries, root or gingivitis are present," explains Oliver Ahlers. Subsequently, for a summary report, it should normally be checked on the basis of six different tests whether the suspicion of a CMD is justified. If at least two of these tests are positive, the expert would say that further functional analyzes will follow.
Bite-splint and relaxation exercises can bring quick help
"If we find a malfunction, we first clarify how high the therapy effort is," continues Ingrid Peroz. In most cases, the problems could be remedied by the preparation of a bite splint and self-treatment measures. For many sufferers, the CMD is caused by muscular tension of the causal system and increased teeth grinding at night (bruxism) as a result of negative stress and tension. Accordingly, it is part of the therapy that the patients learn to consciously perceive these tensions and to reduce them through certain exercises.
Attach small reminder notes to the screen
"First, I explain to the patient that the teeth have not lost anything in peace," says Peroz. Instead, the lower jaw relaxed in the resting mode and the lips are closed, with the teeth do not touch, explains the expert on. However, those who tend to bite their teeth together in stressful situations usually do not notice this at all - so it can help if sufferers are unable to bite their teeth. Pin a notepad with a specific symbol on your screen in the office. As soon as you see this, you should consciously focus on the jaw position. If the teeth are firmly pressed together at this moment, first a short breath is advisable. If the lips are then closed again loosely, one would come, according to Peroz "automatically back to the relaxed distance."
In addition, short massages of the temples or cheeks could help to relieve tension. However, if the mouth can no longer be properly opened, physiotherapeutic procedures such as e.g. Physiotherapy, heat therapy or stretching exercises necessary. Inflammations in the temporomandibular joint usually use joint rinses and anti-inflammatory drugs, in rare cases, over-crowning of teeth or orthodontic treatment is needed.
Chronic pain is difficult to treat
In part, the CMD already exists over such a long period of time that the pain becomes chronic and thus for those affected a massive burden - also for the psyche. As a result, psychosomatic problems, sleep disorders or depression often occur in these cases. According to Anne Wolowski of the German Society of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AKPP), treatment with chronic patients is difficult. "If we can not get a grip on the problem in three to six months with good patient cooperation with a bite splint, relaxation techniques and physiotherapy, these measures are not enough," explains the senior physician at Münster University Hospital. If this occurs, pain therapy or behavioral therapy may be indicated. However, patience is very important for stress and tension-related problems, Wolowski points out. "The complaints have come slowly, they must also sneak out again," said the expert. A period of two weeks would therefore not be enough to get rid of the pain.
Provide more peace in everyday life
In order to relieve inner restlessness and "not to take to sleep with the stresses of everyday life", a variety of exercises for stress relief are also available for those affected. Particularly suitable are e.g. Progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen or autogenic training, as well as tai chi or yoga in many sufferers lead to a long-term improvement in the situation. In people who suffer from bruxism, even small changes in everyday life such as A TV-free bedroom helps to find more relaxation and sleep quieter at night. Aromatherapy can also contribute to natural causes that alleviate mental tension. Have proven to u.a. essential oils of lavender, lemon balm or valerian, e.g. in the form of a fragrance bag on the pillow can promote a good night's sleep. (No)