The temporomandibular joint, known as the TMJ, is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull and facilitates jaw movement. You have one of these joints on either side of your jaw and they act as a sliding hinge so that your jaw can open and close. When dysfunctions with this joint arise and cause pain or limit your ability to use your jaw, it is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and can require some form of medical intervention. Although many people don’t consider chiropractic adjustment as a solution to jaw pain, it can be a surprisingly beneficial solution. If you want to address TMJ symptoms without pain medication or surgery, a chiropractor can help restore the function of your jaw.
TMJ Pain And Symptom Relief
What Causes TMJ Pain?
Inflammation of the temporomandibular joint can cause pain when you open your jaw, which can make it difficult to eat, speak, yawn, or perform adequate oral care. This inflammation can be acute or chronic. Acute TMJ pain may be caused by impact that damages the jaw or an eroded disk that moves out of alignment. Chronic TMJ pain can be caused by overuse and stress on the jaw, often related to tooth grinding or clenching the jaw. Other conditions such as degenerative joint diseases like arthritis, infections, and autoimmune diseases can lead to chronic TMJ pain. A misaligned spine or problems with the neck muscles can also cause TMJ pain because of the pressure it creates on this joint through muscle stiffness and pressure on nerves that are connected to the jaw and neck.
Symptoms Of TMJ Inflammation
Other than TMJ pain, you may also have one or several of these accompanying symptoms:
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain (especially when biting or chewing)
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Popping or clicking noises when chewing
- Locked jaw
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Dizziness
- Sensitive teeth
How A Chiropractic Can Address TMJ Pain
A chiropractor will first need to assess the cause of your TMJ pain. A professional assessment can help you determine any underlying conditions that may be contributing to TMJ pain and they can help to either address these conditions or refer you to a specialist who can (for example, some people need to visit a dentist to address chronic tooth grinding). The cause of your TMJ pain will determine which treatment is ideal. If your jaw has moved out of alignment, a chiropractic adjustment can be used to correct this misalignment and restore proper jaw function. If your TMJ pain is caused by spinal misalignment or muscle tightness, a chiropractic adjustment can be used to help relax the muscles, reduce nerve pain, and facilitate soft tissue function in the head, neck, and back. Other forms of chiropractic care can also be used to address soft tissue problems. For example, Cold Laser Therapy can be used to address inflammation and stimulate healing and can be beneficial for soft tissue damage that is causing chronic or acute TMJ pain. Active Release Techniques (ART®) can also be used to address chronic jaw injury by breaking up scar tissue that is impacting TMJ function.
Relieve Your TMJ Pain And Symptoms In Irvine
If you struggle to open your jaw without pain, if it hurts to eat, or if you have suffered a jaw injury, a registered chiropractor can help. At Performance Health And Wellness, our chiropractors can deliver chiropractic adjustments and other advanced chiropractic techniques to relieve your TMJ pain and symptoms and restore proper jaw function. To speak with a chiropractor about your TMJ pain and symptoms, contact Performance Health And Wellness in Irvine at 1-949-476-1250 or fill out the online contact form to start healing your jaw and returning to comfortable speaking and eating.
FAQ
If you don’t take steps to address TMJ pain it will likely only get worse. Acute TMJ conditions can develop into chronic conditions without proper treatment. If you have TMJ pain, speak with a chiropractor to prevent worse pain and difficulty opening your jaw later in life.
If your TMJ pain and symptoms are recurring, your current treatment method is likely not addressing the underlying conditions causing this issue. Tell your chiropractor about any and all health conditions you have, your family health history, your lifestyle, your habits, and any other information they deem relevant. You may also need to consult with your dentist and family doctor. Addressing the cause of your TMJ instead of just treating the symptoms is the best way to prevent future pain or complications.
With gentle, natural treatments, the Irvine Chiropractors at Performance Health and Wellness help the healing process by relieving muscle tension around the joints. Manipulating joints with nearby muscle release, sometimes going through the mouth, can help restore movement and reduce pain. Specific, non-invasive adjustments can be performed to restore normal function.
Connect With Our Team, Connect With Yourself
If you are seeking solutions to find complete wellness and to feel empowered to live your healthiest life, Performance Health & Wellness is the ideal partner on your journey. With a spectrum of comprehensive services to help you find balance and to feel good, our expert team is here to guide you.
Connect with yourself by connecting with the team at Performance Health & Wellness. Call (949)476-1250.