CMD Treatment in Zurich
CMD is a common functional disorder of the masticatory system. A jaw that is tense due to stress, for example, is characterised not only by pain but also, among other things, by teeth grinding. Targeted massage of the masticatory muscles promises relief.
Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD): from identifying the cause to therapy
As the name suggests, CMD describes a malfunction (dysfunction) involving the skull (cranium) and lower jaw (mandible). In practice, it can lead to impairment of the teeth, masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joints and the neurophysiological control of the masticatory system. The condition also has an adverse effect on the general health of those affected.
The exact prevalence is difficult to quantify. According to estimates, around 20 percent of the population have symptoms that require treatment. If mild complaints without acute pain are included, the specialist literature even gives a prevalence of 40 percent or more. Women are affected more often than men. In addition, younger people and people under high levels of stress in everyday life and at work appear to be suffering increasingly from tense masticatory muscles.
Possible causes and effects of CMD on the body
In short, tension in the masticatory, head and/or facial muscles is responsible for the development of masticatory dysfunction. Potential triggers include emotional strain or general psycho-emotional stress, occlusion disorders (misalignment of the teeth), poorly fitted dentures – including implants and dental prostheses – as well as tooth abrasion, meaning severe wear of the teeth. Often, however, it is an interplay of several factors.
The complex symptoms are due to the great influence of the masticatory muscles on the rest of the body. When tension arises here, pain in the temporomandibular joints, teeth, head, neck, face and throughout the entire musculoskeletal system is not long in coming. An important note: teeth grinding is both a symptom and a risk factor for CMD.
A disturbed masticatory function and its consequences
When the masticatory function is impaired, the muscles involved react with tension or hyperactivity in an attempt to compensate. Specifically, this manifests on the side of the disorder as a pulling apart, and on the opposite side as a „compression“ of the temporomandibular joint – which frequently triggers ringing in the ears.
Other possible accompanying symptoms of CMD:
Craniomandibular dysfunction: what you should know about diagnosis
Those affected should consult their doctor promptly to prevent the complaints from worsening. A dentist will draw on a clinical, instrumental and manual functional analysis. If a blockage of the temporomandibular joint is suspected, an MRI provides further insight. Since CMD often arises from an interplay of several factors, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial – between dentist, medical masseur, physiotherapist, orthopaedist and, if necessary, psychologist or ENT specialist.
Treatment options for CMD
Depending on the cause, various measures may be considered. The dentist will usually fit an individually adjusted bite splint to release neuromuscular tension. As an accompanying measure, medical massage acts specifically on the masticatory muscles and relieves the overarching pain throughout the body. The following techniques are used:
Acting as quickly as possible is important, as an untreated CMD can lead to permanent damage to the temporomandibular joints.
Self-help measures for CMD
Careful self-observation helps to identify triggers: When does the jaw become particularly tense? When does teeth grinding occur? Targeted relaxation exercises, progressive muscle relaxation and stress reduction in everyday life effectively support the therapy.
CMD Treatment in Zurich – Book an appointment
Do you suffer from jaw pain, teeth grinding or the secondary complaints of craniomandibular dysfunction? Book your appointment now at my practice at Asylstrasse 77 in Zurich. I look forward to seeing you!
Sources: University Hospital Zurich, craniomandibular dysfunction (in German); Zerkhold V., Taxer B., Sammer A. (2023), Manuelle Medizin 61:5–14.
