CMD therapy Munich:
Treatment for jaw problems

Your practice for physiotherapy for craniomandibular dysfunction in the center of Munich. We are happy to treat you if your jaw is causing problems!

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Are your facial muscles aching, your jaw cracking and you can’t open your mouth properly? These symptoms are often caused by CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction). This disorder usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 and affects men half as often as women. The medical umbrella term defines complaints between the lower jaw (mandible) and the skull (cranium) that occur in the masticatory muscles or within the temporomandibular joint. As the freedom of movement of the jaw changes, the lower jaw is too mobile.

CMD – what happens in the body?

• Disorders in the function of the temporomandibular joint are the cause of CMD
• Risk factors of various kinds lead to unnatural and incorrect movement sequences in the masticatory system
• Tension in the fascia and muscles in the trunk and shoulder girdle play a decisive role in the development of CMD, which is transmitted to the head and temporomandibular joint

Symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction

If CMD is treated too late or not recognized correctly, suffering pain can occur throughout the entire body. In almost 90 percent of patients, this type of dysfunction can be easily remedied as soon as the actual causes are known. The symptoms present an extremely differentiated picture, as the disease can have many different accompanying symptoms. Patients often complain of pain in the face, one of the most common symptoms. Different types of pain are decisive for the diagnosis.

Typical signs of CMD

• Pain when chewing or opening the jaw
• Cracking noises when chewing or opening the jaw
• Pain in the temporomandibular joint or entire jaw
• Pain in the face, especially in the area of the temples
• Impairments due to migraines, balance disorders, dizziness
• Blockages or difficulties in opening the jaw
• Ringing in the ears, tinnitus

Causes of CMD

The causes of CMD can be poorly fitting dentures, misalignments in the jaw or teeth grinding, but in 80 percent of cases a so-called ascending phenomenon caused by incorrect and stressful loads on the spine and shoulder girdle is the cause of CMD. Stress is also known to cause tension in the shoulder girdle, particularly in women, and therefore very often also functional disorders in the jaw joint. Our purchasing system can compensate for a malfunction to a certain extent. However, if the malfunctions become more severe, other problems such as tinnitus or dizziness can occur in addition to painful conditions in the jaw and teeth, face or the entire head.

Persistent complaints – CMD untreated

What happens if CMD is not recognized and treated as quickly as possible? Initially, the dysfunction goes unnoticed for a certain period of time. Only gradually can further impairments develop and spread to neighboring areas of the body. If CMD persists, more distant areas of the body are also affected by symptoms, which are closely connected to the temporomandibular joint and head via the neck and spine.

CMD – main trigger stress

In addition to the misaligned teeth mentioned above, psycho-emotional stress is one of the highest risk factors for developing CMD. People tend to release high levels of family or professional tension through the masticatory system. Those affected process their stress with uncontrolled clenching and grinding during the day and night. Persistent stress leads to ever-increasing tension in the muscles of the masticatory system, resulting in the chronification and development of various CMD symptoms. Accompanying measures for muscle relaxation and stress management such as lifestyle changes, resilience building and mindfulness are therefore important for the success of the treatment.

Interdisciplinary treatment

Since pronounced CMD affects different areas of the body, multidisciplinary treatment is often necessary. CMD physiotherapy in Munich treats any postural problems, while the dentist is responsible for the oral and dental situation. In 20 percent of cases, the causes of CMD can be found in the jaw or tooth area, such as malocclusions or crowns that are too high. The remaining 80 percent are caused by tension and dysregulation of the thoracic or cervical spine, which is exacerbated by stress.

Manual therapy and heat

If the diagnosis is CMD, we are on site for you in Munich at Sendlinger Tor and are quickly on the spot. If the cause of the dysfunction can be found in blockages and muscular tension, CMD physiotherapists lend a hand and try to free the affected muscle areas from tension and blockages in sessions. Manual action on the jaw joint or neck muscles results in long-term pain relief and restoration of jaw mobility. Do you have questions about the treatment process? Contact our physiotherapy practice in Munich – we look forward to meeting you in person.

Complementary therapy – crunch and bite splint

The most effective immediate measure is a customized bite splint, which protects the teeth from damage and also relieves the jaw joints to some extent. In some cases, a permanent splint is also recommended, with the help of which the lower jaw is slowly shifted into the correct position. This protection prevents patients from grinding their teeth at night, but does not alleviate the causes and symptoms of CMD. Splints are prescribed and fitted by the dentist.

Do health insurance companies cover CMD therapy?

If CMD is diagnosed, there are various treatment steps that can vary from case to case. Standard therapy is usually carried out with individually adjusted occlusal aids or mini-plastic splints. In the extended form of therapy for craniomandibular dysfunction, pain in the rest of the body is treated with physiotherapy. The costs for this are covered by the health insurance companies as a normal benefit. Any necessary prescription is issued by the dentist.