Can a Chiropractor Help with TMJ?

11 Feb Can a Chiropractor Help with TMJ?

Chiropractors can help with aches and pains in your back, neck, and other joints in your body, but did you know that they can also help relieve other ailments, too? Temporomandibular joint (better known as TMJ) is among that long list of issues chiropractors can help alleviate and heal. Let’s take a deeper look into what TMJ is, what its symptoms are, and how chiropractors can help relieve the pain and discomfort.

TMJ 101

As previously mentioned, TMJ stands for Temporomandibular joint and the conditions and disorders that come with it. The joint where the skulls meet the jaw and surrounding muscles can become swollen causing much discomfort and pain and can cause limited movement of the lower jaw. The cause of TMJ and its associated pain is usually hard to determine. Many things (or even a combination of things) can cause the pain and discomfort, like your genetics, stress levels, alignment issues, injury to the jaw, or arthritis. Many people that suffer from TMJ clench their jaw or grind their teeth (however, many people who do those things do not develop TMJ). You are more at risk of developing a TMJ disorder if you have a jaw injury, grind your teeth, clench your jaw, and/or have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis or other types of arthritis.

Symptoms of TMJ

The signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders widely vary from person to person. However, common signs and symptoms can include: a tender or painful jaw/temporomandibular joint (can be on one or both sides), aches in and/or surrounding ear(s), struggling to chew normally or pain-free, locking of the temporomandibular joint. Those that suffer from TMJ may also experience popping or clicking sounds when opening the mouth (if the pop/clicking sound is not painful, you likely do not have a TMJ disorder and do not require treatment). TMJ disorders can also cause headaches, neck pain and even, in some cases, dizziness.

How a Chiropractor Can Help with TMJ

There are many methods that can relieve the discomfort of TMJ: botox, mouth guards, medication, in extreme cases surgery, and/or a visit with your chiropractor. Your temporomandibular joint is just like every other joint in your body, TLC is required and may require a bit of maintenance. Chiropractors can help those that suffer from TMJ disorders by relieving and tension in the spine. By doing this, the pressure is reduced on several different nerves which will then relieve pain that is associated with TMJ. Those that suffer from TMJ will need ongoing treatment to keep the pain and other symptoms of TMJ to a minimum. By visiting the chiropractor regularly, many are able to find sweet relief from this painful, uncomfortable condition.

If you are interested in learning more about TMJ disorders or would like to receive chiropractic care, give Spinal Rehab of North County a call. Spinal Rehab of North County is here to help you on your journey to health and wellness. Call to schedule your appointment today.