How can our specialised TMJ treatment help your Eustachian tube dysfunction?
What is the Eustachian Tube?
It is a thin tube that runs from the back of the throat & nose to the middle ear. It plays a very important role in balancing the pressure between your ear and the atmosphere. It does this by opening its valve when you swallow, yawn or chew (these all are actions of the TMJ showing us the first link).
Another important role is draining the mucous produced by the middle ear which ultimately prevents an ear infection.
What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
There are two types:
1. The tube does not open sufficiently. This will lead to a build-up of fluid in the middle ear causing a feeling of pain and fullness in the ear.
2. The tube does not close. This causes the patient to have fullness in their ears and hearing their voice echoing/heartbeat. This is caused by a dysfunction in the valve of the Eustachian tube. Some causes include anxiety, reflux, chronic nasal allergies.
These blockages isolate the middle ear from the atmosphere. This leads to the middle ear absorbing the air and the eardrum to be pulled inwards causing the following symptoms:
– Tinnitus
– Fullness of ear
– Hearing difficulty
– Popping of the ear
– Tickling feeling of the ear
– Dizziness
Long term blockage leads to a build-up of fluid in the middle ear that increases the risk of infection and hearing loss.
What can TMJ Physio do for your Eustachian tube?
1. Treatment directly to the TMJ:
– The TMJ is connected to the middle ear through two ligaments (discomalleolar) and if there is thickening/swelling of these ligaments it will influence the ear and Eustachian tube.
– The middle ear and TMJ are also very closely located. The TMJ is 1.5mm anterior to the middle ear. Therefore, issues of the TMJ have an impact on the middle ear.
We have developed specific techniques to increase the joint space of the TMJ, decrease inflammation, improve mobility, scar tissue and capsular tightness.
2. Treatment of the trigeminal nerve (mandibular branch):
– The eardrum and Eustachian tube is supplied by the same nerve that innervates the jaw muscles (mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve).
– Similarly, the muscle that opens the Eustachian tube, the tensor veli palatani is also supplied by the trigeminal nerve. If there is irritation of the nerve due to an issue of the TMJ, it will affect the function and resting tone of these muscles.
We treat this nerve along its pathway where it is compressed, inflamed or tight to ensure the nerve has optimal mobility and function.
3. Treatment of the tensor veli palatini:
– This muscle that opens the Eustacian tube, is often implicated in the tube not opening. It is located very closely to the medial pterygoid muscle which we are able to directly access.
By treating any thickening, tightness or swelling of the medial pterygoid and increasing blood flow to this muscle we are influencing the muscle that opens the Eustachian tube.
4. Treatment of the sinuses:
– Inflammation or build-up of mucous in the sinuses can also cause Eustachian tube dysfunction as it causes inflammation of the tube.
Through specific sinus drainage techniques, we are able to drain the mucous and decrease the inflammation of the sinuses, therefore optimising function of the sinuses and the Eustachian tube.
What does it mean if I only get blocked ears when flying “airplane ears”?
– People with Eustachian tube problems may only feel their ears being blocked when they are flying.
– When ascending the cabin pressure drops and pressure builds in the middle ear. The Eustachian tube, if functioning properly should open to let the air escape.
– When descending the cabin pressure slowly rises and this negative pressure tends to lock the Eustachian tube closed. Common techniques such as chewing gum, yawning or popping your ear open will work effectively if the Eustachian tube is functioning properly but if it is constricted then these do not work as effectively.
TMJ Physio will help the Eustachian tube function properly by decreasing its narrowing and compression and therefore helps patients with airplane ears.
We have had huge success in helping patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction, let us help you!
Contact us on 0674190725 or through our website www.myphysiotherapist.co.za