TMJ Issues
Chiropractic Treatment for TMJ Issues in Arlington, VA
Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder. Contact the experienced chiropractors at (571) 568-8496 District Wellness, the #1 chiropractic service in Arlington VA, and say goodbye to jaw pain forever!
TMJ or temporomandibular joint condition is a problem with the jaw joints and muscles that control chewing. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include pain and tenderness in the jaw, face, and neck; clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth.
According to dental and craniofacial research, Temporomandibular joint syndrome is twice as common in women than in men, especially in women between 35 and 44 years old. Let’s read and learn more about it.
Introduction to TMJ and its Symptoms
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is in front of the ear. The TMJ allows the mandible to move up and down and side to side. It also permits you to talk, chew, and yawn.
Common symptoms of temporomandibular disorders include:
- Pain in the jaw joint and in or around the ear
- Neck and facial pain
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- A feeling of soreness or tenderness in the jaw muscles
- Swelling on the side of the face
- Pain at extreme jaw movements or jaw locking
TMJ pain can also cause headaches, neck aches, the way upper and lower teeth align, dizziness, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
There are many things that can cause temporomandibular disorder, such as clenching or grinding your teeth, chewing gum, biting your nails, injury to the jaw, arthritis, and even stress. Some other risk factors can be genetics and problems with your bite or teeth alignment.
You may be suffering from TMJ pain because of:
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- Muscle strain in the muscles which control the jaw, and those which connect the neck and shoulder muscles. This type of pain is acute and manageable with pain medication/muscle relaxants.
- A disorder of the joint such as displaced disk or dislocated joint. This can be severe pain needing medical attention and physical therapy.
- Degenerative joint disease or wear and tear in the jaw joint, like arthritis. This can cause chronic pain requiring medical treatment.
Your risk of developing this pain is increased by jaw injury, stress, or grinding and clenching your teeth.
How to treat TMJ Disorder
There are many things you can do at home to help ease the pain of TMJ such as to:
- Eat soft foods
- Avoid extreme jaw movements
- Avoid clenching or teeth grinding
- Applying ice or heat to the Jaw
- Perform relaxation techniques to stretch and strengthen facial muscles
If these home remedies don’t help, you may need to see a doctor or dentist. They can prescribe medication or give you a mouth guard to wear at night. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem.
How chiropractic care can help relieve TMJ symptoms
Chiropractic care for temporomandibular joints disorder usually involves gentle manipulation of the jaw and neck. Most chiropractic treatment plans for TMJ will involve a series of visits. During each visit, your chiropractor will perform a physical examination and may use gentle manipulation to adjust the jaw and neck. This helps relieve pain and improve the range of motion in the jaw. It can also help correct alignment issues in the spine and neck that may contribute to TMJ symptoms.
Exercises are often recommended as part of a chiropractic treatment plan for TMJ. These exercises can help to improve range of motion in the jaw and relieve pain. Your chiropractor will likely give you specific exercises to do at home as well as instructions on how to do them properly.
Other therapies that may be recommended as part of a chiropractic treatment plan for TMJ include ice or heat therapy, ultrasound therapy, and electrical stimulation. These therapies can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
TMJ dysfunction can make essential tasks like talking and eating unbearably painful. Chiropractors at District Wellness are well equipped to provide you the pain relief caused by TMJ disorders. Call today at (571) 568-8496 to book an appointment!
