The jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), helps us do everyday things like chewing, talking, and swallowing. But sometimes, this joint doesn’t work well, causing discomfort, pain, and trouble moving the jaw. That’s called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorders include different problems that affect how the jaw joint works and the muscles around it. People with TMJ disorders might feel jaw pain, have a hard time chewing, hear clicking or popping sounds from their jaw, or find it tough to fully open or close their mouth. These issues can make simple things, like eating or talking, painful and tricky. Lots of things can cause TMJ disorders, like stress, grinding teeth, jaw or teeth not fitting together right, arthritis, or even getting hurt around the jaw.
Chiropractic care could be a helpful way to ease the discomfort caused by TMJ disorders. Chiropractors focus on making the bones and muscles work better without using surgery or strong medicines. Chiropractors first check the jaw, neck, and spine carefully to see what’s causing the problem. They use gentle methods like moving things back into place, massaging tight muscles, and giving advice on how to sit or move to make things better.
Chiropractic care doesn’t just try to stop the pain. It tries to fix the reasons behind why the jaw isn’t working right. This natural approach helps the body heal itself and aims to make the jaw work better again. In this article, we’ll explore how chiropractic care helps with TMJ disorders. We’ll talk about the different ways chiropractors can help ease jaw pain and improve jaw movement. We’ll also share important things to consider before trying chiropractic care for TMJ issues. Visit our Youtube Channel for authentic videos on chiropractic techniques for TMJ issues.
Understanding TMJ Disorders:
TMJ disorders encompass a broad range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. These disorders manifest through various symptoms, including jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds, and limited jaw movement. Contributing factors can range from stress and teeth grinding (bruxism) to jaw misalignment, arthritis, or injury to the jaw area.
How Chiropractic Care Helps TMJ:
Chiropractic care primarily focuses on optimizing the alignment and function of the musculoskeletal system. Its goal is to enhance overall health and alleviate pain without resorting to invasive procedures or medications. In addressing TMJ disorders, chiropractic techniques specifically target the underlying causes of jaw misalignment or dysfunction.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis of TMJ:
Chiropractors initiate the treatment process by conducting a thorough and detailed assessment of the patient’s jaw, neck, and spine. This comprehensive evaluation includes examining the range of motion, identifying muscle tenderness, and assessing alignment to precisely identify the specific areas contributing to the TMJ disorder. Advanced imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs might be utilized for a more detailed diagnosis.
Targeted Adjustments and Manipulations:
Chiropractic adjustments entail precise and gentle manipulations intended to realign the spine, jaw, and neck. By correcting misalignments, reducing tension in surrounding muscles, and restoring proper joint function, chiropractors strive to alleviate pressure on the TMJ, thereby offering relief from associated pain and discomfort.
Soft Tissue Therapies:
In conjunction with adjustments, chiropractors frequently incorporate soft tissue therapies such as massage or trigger point therapy to release tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw. These therapeutic approaches help in relaxing tight muscles, reducing inflammation, and enhancing blood flow to the affected area, which fosters natural healing processes.
TMJ Doctor Using the Pain Neutralization Technique:
Dr. Brockway specializes in the Pain Neutralization Technique, and has advanced training on gently treating TMJ disorders, such as clicking, grinding, and jaw shifting. The treatment itself is very gentle, and not painful.
If you or someone you know suffers with TMJ issues, please schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if we can help.
