Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. TMJ issues can cause a range of symptoms including: jaw pain, headaches, ringing in the ears, popping or clicking in the jaw, dizziness, a fullness in the ear, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and recurrent bouts of neck pain. CCEP trained chiropractors, like Dr. Oz, can adjust and work with the jaw to restore motion.
Understanding the TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorder occurs when this joint becomes inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. Several factors can contribute to TMJ, including stress, teeth grinding, misalignment of the jaw, or trauma.
Chiropractic Care for TMJ
Chiropractic care is a natural and non-invasive approach to treating TMJ. Chiropractors are trained to assess and manipulate the spine, but our expertise extends to other joints in the body, including the jaw. Here’s how chiropractic care can help with TMJ:
- After addressing the spine (our central nervous system), specifically the upper cervical region, we can assess the jaw through a detailed evaluation. This will look at how the jaw moves, how the muscles are firing, and how the individual is using their own neurology to help regulate movements in the jaw or lack of.
- Chiropractors can perform soft tissue techniques to relax the muscles around the jaw, reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who clench their teeth or grind them at night. Additionally, chiropractors can show you corrective exercises at home to help not only hold your adjustments better, but help restore motion into a fixated joint.
- Chiropractic adjustments can help improve the range of motion in the jaw joint, reducing pain and stiffness. Chiropractors use gentle, controlled techniques to manipulate the jaw, restoring its proper function.
- Poor posture can contribute to TMJ problems. Chiropractors can assess and correct posture issues that may be exacerbating TMJ symptoms. Better posture can alleviate stress on the jaw and surrounding muscles.
- Lifestyle and Nutrition Guidance: Chiropractors often provide holistic recommendations to improve overall health. This can include advice on diet, exercise, stress management, and relaxation techniques that can contribute to TMJ relief. Those struggling with recurrent TMJ issues should discuss a list of foods to avoid with their chiropractor since some foods are too difficult to chew and can exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for TMJ
- Non-Invasive: Chiropractic care is a drug-free and surgery-free approach to TMJ management, making it a low-risk option for those seeking relief from TMJ symptoms.
- Individualized Treatment: Chiropractors assess each patient’s unique condition and tailor their treatment plan accordingly. This personalized approach can yield effective results.
- Pain Reduction: Chiropractic adjustments can provide immediate relief from TMJ-related pain, allowing patients to enjoy a better quality of life.
- Long-Term Solution: Rather than merely masking symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the root causes of TMJ, potentially offering long-term relief and preventing future flare-ups.
If you have been struggling with TMJ discomfort, look into getting your jaw adjusted along with your spine. TMJ adjustments are gentle and can help improve range of motion and lessen the severity of headaches and inner ear discomfort.
