Indirectly, the discomfort felt as TMJ pain may actually be referred pain caused from head or neck sprain injuries. An expert physical exam will help differentiate between these potential, multiple causes.
Treatment
Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT), including Craniosacral Therapy, can be of great benefit in resolving TMJ dysfunction.
Prolotherapy is an appropriate treatment for ligament and tendon injuries associated with TMJ sprain and dysfunction. It is an excellent treatment for TMJ pain and dysfunction – and for any head or neck sprain injury that causes pain to spread to the TMJ area.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy would be more appropriate if the TMJ sprain injury and dysfunction are due to significant ligament or tendon tearing.
If there is evidence of a significant dental orthodontic component to the patient’s TMJ dysfunction, appropriate dental and orthodontic consultations would be in keeping.