TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a condition that affects the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. The disorder can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth. If you think you may have TMJ, it is important to see a doctor or dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In this blog post, we will explore the symptoms of TMJ and how to manage them.

Symptoms of TMJ:

  1. Pain or tenderness in the jaw area: One of the most common symptoms of TMJ is pain or tenderness in the jaw joint. The pain may be localized to one side of the face or may be felt on both sides.

  2. Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw: If you have TMJ, you may hear clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth. This is caused by the displacement of the disc that cushions the joint.

  3. Difficulty opening or closing the mouth: TMJ can make it difficult to open or close your mouth. In severe cases, the jaw may even lock in place.

  4. Headaches: TMJ can cause headaches, particularly in the temples or behind the eyes.

  5. Ear pain or ringing in the ears: TMJ can cause pain in the ears or a ringing sensation, even though there is no actual problem with the ear itself.

  6. Neck and shoulder pain: TMJ can cause pain in the neck and shoulders due to the tension and strain on the muscles in this area.

Chiropractic Care & TMJ:

Chiropractic care can provide relief for some individuals who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

  1. Neurological adjustments: Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments to realign the spine, which can help alleviate tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw joint. When the spine is misaligned, it can put additional stress on the muscles that control the jaw, exacerbating TMJ symptoms.

  2. Myofascial release: This technique involves applying gentle pressure to the muscles around the jaw joint to release tension and improve range of motion. Myofascial release can help relieve pain and stiffness associated with TMJ.

  3. Trigger point therapy: Trigger points are areas of muscle that are tight and painful when pressure is applied. Chiropractors can use trigger point therapy to relieve tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw joint, which can help alleviate TMJ symptoms.

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Sources:

  1. "Chiropractic Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)." American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Temporomandibular-Joint-Disorders-TMD.

  2. Kim, Jong-Hyuk, and Jong-Ho Lee. "Chiropractic management of temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review of the literature." Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, vol. 39, no. 10, 2012, pp. 735-744., doi:10.1111/joor.12002.

  3. "Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)." National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmj.

  4. "Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941.