Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, known as TMJ or TMD, occurs when the upper and lower jaw do not align correctly. Chiropractic treatment can help to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with this disorder. TMJ can slowly progress and go unnoticed for a while because the body has a remarkable ability to compensate. Because of this, many people who have symptoms don’t realize where the pain or discomfort might be originating.
Both TM joints are located right in front of your ears where the upper and lower jaw come together. People afflicted with TMJ may notice a popping or clicking sensation when chewing or yawning. Other symptoms of TMJ can include:
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Pain when opening and closing the mouth
- Jaw stiffness
- Earache with no apparent cause such as infection
- Locking of the jaw
- Damage to teeth such as cracking
- Erosion of dental enamel
- Headache
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Ringing in the ears
Chiropractic Care Can Help TMJ
Chiropractic treatment is a safe and noninvasive way to relieve symptoms associated with TMJ through manipulation, massage, and other modalities to areas surrounding the TM joint which reduces tension and pain. As the body tries to compensate for TMJ pain, it can become misaligned, especially in the neck and shoulder area, but can also extend down through the spine, arms, and hips.
As the body tries to compensate for the misalignment, it become out of balance which will create pain and discomfort in other areas. Chiropractic care helps to restore the body back to balance and relieves pain and tension so that you can function optimally. Additionally, chiropractic treatment does not involve the use of any drugs which makes it a safe and effective way to improve your health.
Your San Antonio chiropractor, Dr. Marcus L. Wilcox, can help with your TMJ, not only be treating your symptoms, but also helping to determine what the cause may be.
A Trip to the Dentist May Be Warranted
Sometimes TMJ or TMD can go away on its own perhaps by changing habits or practicing stress management techniques. Dr. Wilcox can certainly help in many cases, but in others, it may be necessary to see a dentist or orthodontist in order to determine the underlying cause of TMJ. Orthodontists use braces to move teeth in such a way that the jaw seats evenly and this might required. You can learn more about orthodontics and the various forms of braces that exist from this excellent website – Click Here.
Causes of this disorder can include:
- Clenching or grinding of the teeth
- Misaligned bite (the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly)
- Inflammation
- Trauma
- Emotional imbalances such as stress, anxiety, frustration, etc.
- A congenital defect which causes a misalignment of the jaw
Regardless of the cause, it left untreated, TMJ can get worse over time and cause more pain. It can also cause more severe health issues over time.