Temporomandibular dysfunction and Chiropractic Care

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and Chiropractic Care

Pain and compromised movement of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles.

The temporomandibular joint or TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. Dysfunction can lead to pain and discomfort.

Jaw pain, difficulty chewing and clicking and locking of the jaw joint are some of the symptoms.

Common treatments include medication, bite guards, Chiropractic care and physical therapies.

You are probably well aware that chiropractic care can alleviate back pain, neck pain, and even pinched nerves. But did you know that it is also a safe and effective way to manage TMJ pain as well? TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorders, is a chronic disorder that affects the jaw. The point where the jaw connects to the skull can become painful and swollen or will sometimes make a clicking sound. TMJ is an uncomfortable problem to have. If you suffer from TMJ pain, you may have tried other methods for managing the pain without success.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?

The symptoms of TMJ disorders depend on the severity and cause of your condition. The most common symptom of TMJ disorders is pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles.

Other symptoms typically associated with these disorders include:

pain that can be felt in the face or neck
stiffness in the muscles of the jaw
limited movement of the jaw
locking of the jaw
clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site
dental issues, such as the wearing down of teeth
tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
vertigo
headaches
shift in the jaw, changing the way that the upper and lower teeth align.

Symptoms may show up on just one side of the face or both.

Home treatments

In a lot of cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders can be treated with self-care practices at home. To ease the symptoms of TMJ at home, you can:

Eat soft foods.
Use ice to reduce swelling.
Reduce jaw movements.
Avoid chewing gum and tough foods (like beef jerky).
Take measures to reduce stress.
Use jaw-stretching exercises to help improve jaw movement.

What causes TMJ disorders?

In many cases, it’s not known what causes TMJ disorders. Trauma to the jaw or joint may play a role. There are also other health conditions that may contribute to the development of TMJ disorders.

These include:

Osteoarthritis
erosion (wearing away) of the joint
habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth
structural jaw issues present at birth
growth disorders

How can Chiropractic Care Help?

Because the jaw is a joint, Dr. Chris Youakim from Terrigal Chiroflexion can perform manual physical therapies and Chiropractic Adjustments to relieve the symptoms. Releasing the muscles surrounding the jaw can correct TMJ so that the jaw can function normally once again. But sometimes the problem doesn’t just lie within the jaw. Dysfunction of the spine caused by spinal misalignments can also cause tension within the body, including the jaw joint. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can remove misalignments to reduce nerve interference and tension and alleviate pain associated with TMJ. Continual chiropractic care is often needed to ensure that problems don’t return. With regular chiropractic care, you can experience not only relief from TMJ, but also improved overall health and wellness because the benefits of chiropractic care are numerous.

How can TMJ be prevented?

You may not be able to prevent TMJ disorder from developing, but you might be able to reduce symptoms by lowering your stress levels, employing physical therapy and exercises, and working with a dentist or Chiropractor if you often grind your teeth at night.

Possible solutions for teeth grinding include wearing a mouth guard at night, relaxation therapy and occasionally taking muscle relaxants.

For more information or treatment contact us at:

Chiroflexion Terrigal

PH: 0411963965

1/12 Campbell Crescent, TERRIGAL 2260

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and Chiropractic Care.