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TMJ is the Temporal Mandibular Joint. The temporal is on of bones that makes
up the skull. The Mandible is the lower jaw bone.
Recently TMJ as been used to designate a condition of pain in the joint ie.
"she has TMJ".
This joint, like others, is somewhat complicated and precise in its
operation. In general any tension in the soft tissue supporting and operating
the joint can cause pain. For instance my wife clenches her teeth when she is
upset. This is enough to aggravate the joint as the soft tissue balance is
upset. I chew predominately on one side and this can cause pain. I have also,
unfortunately, had my bite altered by dental work, this imbalance causes
pain.
Now imagine the horse, with a bit in its mouth an a heavy handed rider
pulling its head around. OUCH, how to you get TMJ??? I just fell off my cat
like arab, I held on as he pulled to try and get away from the boogey man. As
I was laying on the ground looking up into his frightened face I was
wondering what kind of work he would need on his jaw, from the curb chain,
and glad he didn't have a bit in his mouth.
What can you do for TMJ. The first thing is schooling, both you and your
horse. Soft feeling hands and soft feeling mouth. If you've inherited the
problem or suspect your horse has it then you need to get the soft tissue
into balance and have the joint unwound. (when joints shorten they twist, so
it is not enough to simply lengthen tissue the twist needs to be addressed as
well).
You can tell if you have an imbalance in the TMJ, by: putting your fongers in
both ears and opeing and closing your mouth. If you here clicking noises then
the joint is not balanced. Someone trained to unwind a joint can help.
Does TMJ effect the rest of the horse? You bet. The cranium is regarded in
many therapies, especially Rolfing as The First Vertebrae. Any imbalance here
is going to be reflected down the spine. Try this simple exercise: walk
across the room. Now walk across the room while thinking. Now do it while
talking. Notice a difference. This is the effect on the spine of holding the
head differently.
Gotta go ice down a muscle strain, this is gonna ruin my golf game.
jim pascucci
Certifed Rolfer
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