Blog Post

How Regular Treatment Helped Manage TMJ and Upper Back Issues

November 3, 2024
For many people, the daily demands of life—work, family, and other responsibilities—can lead to physical tension and chronic pain. In this case, a 51-year-old mother of seven and full-time homemaker found herself struggling with persistent TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome and upper back pain. These issues were compounded by the physical and emotional stresses of her busy household, impacting her ability to move comfortably and perform daily tasks without pain.
Through consistent treatments and a carefully designed exercise plan at Good Health Group Clinic, she has seen a significant reduction in her neck and shoulder pain. Now, she visits Sam once every two weeks to manage her symptoms and maintain her progress.

Understanding TMJ Syndrome and Upper Back Pain

TMJ syndrome is a condition that affects the jaw joint and muscles around it, often leading to headaches, jaw clicking, and facial pain.
This client experienced TMJ symptoms that worsened with stress, including tightness in the masseter (jaw) muscles, jaw clicking, and occasional headaches.

She also had chronic tension in her upper back, neck, and shoulders, which was likely exacerbated by her posture and household duties.

She reported additional symptoms of anxiety, depression, and digestive issues, which contributed to her overall stress. Managing these symptoms required a comprehensive approach that addressed both her physical and emotional needs.

Initial Assessment and Treatment Plan

When she first visited Good Health Group Clinic on 28 August, 2024, Sam conducted a thorough assessment, noting tightness in her upper back and neck as well as around her pectoral muscles and biceps. This tightness contributed to a rounded shoulder posture, further aggravating her TMJ and upper back symptoms.


To relieve her discomfort, Sam implemented a customised treatment plan that included:

  • Deep Tissue Massage (DTM): Targeted areas included her lower back, trapezius, neck, infraspinatus, levator scapulae, glutes, and hamstrings to address chronic tension.

  • Dry Needling (DN): Applied to the quadratus lumborum, mid-trapezius, cervical muscles, and infraspinatus to relieve deeper muscle tension.

  • Cupping: Used on the mid and upper trapezius and infraspinatus to improve circulation and release tightness.

  • Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM): Performed on the lower back, trapezius, and cervical area to break down scar tissue and improve mobility.

  • Trigger Point Therapy (TrP): Focused on the medial hamstrings, gastrocnemius, tibialis posterior, masseter, and pterygoid muscles to reduce TMJ tension.

This comprehensive treatment aimed to alleviate her jaw discomfort, release upper back tension, and improve her overall range of motion. Additionally, Sam provided her with shoulder and chest mobility exercises to perform daily, supporting her progress at home.

11th September, 2024: Addressing TMJ and Upper Back Tension

During this visit, she reported jaw clicking and upper back tension, along with a headache. Sam performed intraoral trigger point release on her masseter muscle, targeting her TMJ symptoms with active jaw movement to enhance effectiveness. The treatment also included deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy for her upper traps, rhomboids, and temporalis muscles. Her exercise plan was modified to include a pectoral stretch to support upper body mobility.

25th September, 2024: Shoulder Tension and Family Commitments

With family obligations for a special occasion, her gym routine was temporarily replaced by regular walks. She presented with right-sided shoulder tension and neck stiffness. Treatment was adjusted to include deep tissue massage for her trapezius and cervical muscles, along with trigger point therapy for the temporalis muscle. A new exercise plan was provided to incorporate more upper body stretching and mobility exercises.

9th October, 2024: Managing Increased Stress

After a period of increased stress due to family gatherings and additional responsibilities, her TMJ symptoms had intensified, with increased neck and shoulder tightness. Sam focused on deep tissue massage for her lower back, neck, and upper back, and performed intraoral trigger point therapy for the temporalis muscle to relieve jaw tension. Her exercise plan remained unchanged, emphasising the importance of consistency.

Customised Exercise Program for TMJ and Upper Back Support

To complement her treatment sessions, Sam developed a personalised exercise program to help manage her TMJ and upper back pain between visits. The exercises focused on enhancing mobility, improving posture, and reducing jaw and upper back tension:

Mobility Exercises

  • Arm Swings: 15-20 swings, 2-3 sets
  • Rhomboid Stretch: 20-30 seconds, 2-3 sets
  • Extended Puppy Pose: 20-30 seconds, 2-3 sets
  • Thoracic Cat Camel: 10-12 reps, 2-3 sets

Strength and Stability

  • Scapular Protraction and Retraction against the Wall: 8-10 reps, 3 sets
  • Kneeling Scapular Push-Ups: 8-10 reps, 3 sets
  • Bird Dog: 8-10 reps, 3 sets
  • Foam Roller Wall Slide: 8-10 reps, 3 sets

Daily Breathing Exercise

  • Rock Back Breathing: 10 deep breaths, 3 sets

Since she maintained a regular gym routine, Sam recommended integrating these exercises into her workouts to reinforce posture, upper body flexibility, and TMJ relief.


Outcome and Reflections

Through consistent bi-weekly treatments and an evolving exercise plan, she has seen a significant reduction in her neck and shoulder pain. Now, she visits Sam every two weeks to manage her ongoing symptoms and maintain her upper body mobility and jaw health.

A combination of deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling therapy, and intraoral release techniques has helped relieve her TMJ tension, while mobility exercises support her shoulder and upper back alignment.

Conclusion

This case highlights the benefits of a holistic approach in managing TMJ syndrome and chronic upper back pain, particularly for clients balancing physical and emotional stress. Regular follow-ups with Sam allow her exercise plan to be adjusted according to her lifestyle and stress levels, ensuring her ongoing progress and comfort.

If you’re experiencing TMJ or upper back pain, consider exploring a customised treatment plan that incorporates both in-clinic care and at-home exercises. A comprehensive approach can make a world of difference in managing pain and achieving lasting relief.

Ready to Find Relief from TMJ and Upper Back Pain?


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