Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can be debilitating conditions that impact daily life. Many individuals suffering from jaw pain, clicking, difficulty chewing, or ear discomfort struggle to find long-term relief.
Traditional treatments include pain medications, night guards, and physiotherapy, but Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy - LLLT) has emerged as a non-invasive, drug-free option for reducing pain, inflammation, and promoting healing.
Let’s explore how Cold Laser Therapy may help relieve TMJ-related jaw pain and tinnitus.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing movement for chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ dysfunction (TMD) occurs when there is:
✔ Jaw misalignment ✔ Muscle tension or overuse ✔ Inflammation of the TMJ joint ✔ Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) ✔ Joint degeneration or arthritis
🔹 Jaw pain, tenderness, or stiffness 🔹 Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth 🔹 Difficulty chewing or limited jaw movement 🔹 Ear pain or fullness 🔹 Headaches and facial discomfort
Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses low-intensity light to stimulate cellular repair, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation in the TMJ joint and surrounding muscles.
Potential Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy for TMJ Dysfunction:
A systematic review published in Cranio (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects - DARE) evaluated 14 randomized placebo-controlled trials on the use of Cold Laser Therapy for TMJ dysfunction. The findings indicated that while results were varied, LLLT appears to be effective for TMJ-related disorders. (Melis et al., 2012).
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears, often without an external source. Research suggests that TMJ dysfunction may contribute to tinnitus, as the jaw and ear structures share nerve pathways and muscular connections.
🔹 Reduces inflammation in the jaw joint, alleviating pressure on surrounding nerves 🔹 Stimulates circulation in the TMJ and ear region, promoting nerve function 🔹 May help calm hyperactive nerve signals that contribute to tinnitus
A clinical study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) using an Nd:YAG (1064 nm) and 810 nm diode laser was effective in reducing tinnitus symptoms in patients with TMD-related tinnitus.
The study observed significant improvement in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for tinnitus severity after a 10-day laser treatment protocol, suggesting Cold Laser Therapy may be beneficial in managing TMJ-related tinnitus (Demirkol et al., 2017).
Cold Laser Therapy for TMJ dysfunction and tinnitus is a non-invasive, painless treatment that aims to reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing in the jaw and ear region.
During a session, a cold laser device is applied to key areas, including:
Cold Laser Therapy is a safe, targeted treatment, and many patients report a gradual reduction in jaw pain and tinnitus symptoms after a few sessions.
If you are experiencing chronic jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, or tinnitus, Cold Laser Therapy may be a safe, drug-free option to relieve discomfort and improve function.
At Cold Laser Perth, we provide specialized Cold Laser Therapy for TMJ and tinnitus, helping patients regain comfort and quality of life.
📞 Call us at 9300 0095 or Book Online Here to learn more.
