People tend to think of chiropractic care as mainly helping with back and neck pain. So, it might surprise you to learn that chiropractors can treat a number of other conditions – including pain in your jaw! In fact, chiropractic care can be very effective in relieving symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or sometimes simply referred to as “TMJ.”
TMJ affects the temporomandibular joint in the jaw, causing pain in the jaw itself, your cheek, your teeth, and your ear. It can also cause clicking noises in the jaw, an inability to open your mouth wide, and a misalignment of the upper and lower teeth. Some patients also experience headaches, dizziness, earaches, and hearing problems along with their primary TMJ symptoms. Even though the jaw is only a small part of the body, TMJ can feel like a significant disruption to your life.
If you do have TMJ, it might have been caused by a number of different factors. If you’ve ever suffered a trauma or dislocation of your jaw, you’re at higher risk for developing the condition. Some patients develop TMJ from clenching or grinding their teeth, especially due to emotional stress. Women are four times more likely to suffer TMJ than men.
If you suspect you have TMJ, make an appointment with us to discuss your symptoms. First, we need to determine that you do indeed have the condition. Then we can make a treatment plan to help relieve your pain and discomfort. Certain exercises can help your jaw to regain function, and chiropractic adjustments can help your nervous system to function better.