Conditions

Articular disc displacement

When the TMJ disc shifts out of position, clicking, locking or difficulty opening the mouth may appear. A precise assessment guides treatment.

Internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint occur when the articular disc —the cartilage that cushions bone contact— moves out of its usual position. This is a common cause of clicking, locking and limited opening.

With disc displacement with reduction, the disc slides forward when the mouth is closed and returns on opening, often producing an audible click, sometimes with brief pain. With disc displacement without reduction, the disc stays forward and the jaw may lock with markedly limited opening.

These patterns may start after trauma, prolonged clenching, sustained posture or sudden changes in jaw function. Without care, clicks can become more frequent, locking more persistent and mouth opening more restricted.

At Kinésica we assess opening range, jaw tracking, joint sounds and muscle involvement. We use TMJ techniques, osteopathy and gentle manual work to improve biomechanics, reduce disc irritation and restore a more functional range.

When indicated, we add jaw mobility exercises, habit education and coordination with dentistry for occlusal factors. The goal is to reduce pain, normalize opening and prevent an acute lock from becoming chronic.