How Chiropractic Care Helps with TMJ

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints which are found on either side of our head, connecting the lower jaw to our skull. The purpose of the joint is to enable the movement of our jaw so that we can use our mouth to speak, eat, yawn, and more. The temporomandibular joint disorder occurs when there is a problem with the joint that prevents it from working properly. This can cause a range of unpleasant and painful symptoms that affect your quality of life. If you experience TMJ disorder, your immediate inclination may be to visit your dentist. However, you’ll be surprised to discover that chiropractic care is actually a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for the condition. 

Here’s what you need to know about TMJ, including how you can expect chiropractic care to help.

 

Causes of TMJ Disorder

Exactly why TMJ disorder occurs isn’t always known. However, there are some common causes of the condition, including:

• Grinding your teeth while you sleep (known as bruxism)

• Trauma to the jaw, such as blunt force.

• Suffering from an autoimmune disease.

• Experiencing a degenerative joint disorder, like arthritis. 

• Poor posture.

TMJ disorder is extremely common, and studies estimate that as many as 12% of the U.S. population experience the symptoms associated with the condition at any one time. 

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

There is a range of different symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. These can come and go or remain persistent. They can also vary in intensity from one day to the next. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

• Pain in or around the eye

• Jaw pain

• Jaw stiffness

• Difficulty biting, chewing, or opening and closing your mouth

• Hearing grinding, popping, or clicking noises when you use your mouth 

• Headaches

• Neck pain

• Inflammation around the joints

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor or chiropractor who can assess you and make a diagnosis. 

How Can Chiropractic Care Help With TMJ Disorder?

Chiropractic treatment focuses on making changes to the musculoskeletal system in order to relieve symptoms and achieve overall wellness. The musculoskeletal system refers to the bones, muscles, and connective tissues that give our body strength and enable us to move. Chiropractors are trained professionals who are specially trained to identify problems affecting the musculoskeletal system. They can then treat them immediately, or in the case of there not being a simple solution, help them to find ways to manage their condition. 

The TMJ is part of the musculoskeletal system. What many people aren’t aware of is that the whole musculoskeletal system is connected, and therefore changes to one area can have an impact on another. Much of chiropractic treatment focuses on making changes to the alignment of the spine. By changing the position of the spine, it’s possible to reduce pressure on the spinal cord, and as a result, the central nervous system. Since the central nervous system is responsible for virtually all body functions, reducing pressure on it can improve the efficiency of all other body systems. For example, people who have regular chiropractic treatment find that they are more relaxed and can sleep better at night, and this helps to sleep disorders, such as bruxism. 

The pelvis plays a crucial role in posture and spine stimulation. If there are problems with the alignment of the pelvis, it can directly affect your spine and posture. This, in turn, could impact the position of your neck which will place unnecessary pressure on the bones of the cranium including those supporting the temporomandibular joint. Your chiropractor can help to make sure that your pelvis, spine, and cervical spine are perfectly aligned to prevent unnecessary stress that can result in dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. 

As well as addressing the potential source of the TMJ dysfunction, many chiropractors can also work with dentists to correct bite problems that could also be contributing to the development of TMJ disorder. 

Dr. Bloink’s Case Studies on TMJ Disorders

Dr. Bloink specializes in treating TMJ disorders. He has done extensive work on TMJ disorders and has published several case studies. Learn more about Dr. Bloink’s success in treating TMJ disorders below.

Chiropractic Care Of Professional Hockey Player Suffering From Multiple Concussions: A Case Report

SOT Cranial And TMJ Therapy For Unresolved BPPV: A Case Report.

Integration Of SOT Cranial Therapy With An Occlusal Splint For The Treatment Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Case Report.

ACC RAC WFC 2018 Tounge Fatigue


 

Want more information? We’ve conducted a series of case studies on the effects of chiropractic care on TMJ disorder and would be delighted to share these with you. Please contact our dedicated team in Los Gatos CA for more information.