How Chiropractors Treat TMJ?

Probably you’ve heard that chiropractic treatment is excellent for getting rid of cricks in the neck, back pain, and headaches. It may surprise you to know that chiropractors are also beneficial when it comes to treating many other ailments in the body. TMDs or temporomandibular joint disorder is another common problem that chiropractic care can help with. However, what is this problem, and what are its common symptoms? Here’s what you need to know about TMJs and how a chiropractor may be able to help you.

What is TMJ or TMD?

Temporomandibular joint disorders are known by the abbreviation “TMJ or TMD”. This term refers to a group of disorders in which the joint between the jaw and the skull becomes affected and may cause pain and swelling. It can occur for a variety of reasons, and in some cases, it is unknown why the disorder occurs.

What are the Symptoms of TMJ?

People with TMJ suffer from a variety of symptoms, but some of the more common ones seem to be fairly common among most of them. These symptoms might include the following in the list. Occasionally, the patient may also feel dizzy. A professional should be consulted if you have other ailments that can cause similar problems.

The following signs and symptoms are associated with TMJ:

• Pain or tenderness (pain on touching or pressing) of the jaw
• Pain or tingling sensation affecting one or both temporomandibular joints
• The ear and surrounding area may experience soreness and slight ache
• Pain when chewing or difficulty chewing
• Having difficulty opening or closing the mouth due to joint locking
• If you open or close your mouth, you may hear clicking or grating

There are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms such as pain, locking, and granting – so consulting a dentist or general physician before any treatment would be best.

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

TMJ can be treated by chiropractors by relieving tension and dysfunction in the joint. Chiropractic care reduces the pressure on nerves, thus alleviating TMJ pain by alleviating this dysfunction. TMJ patients often need ongoing care to keep the pain and other symptoms at bay. Regular chiropractic visits can ease this particular ailment for many people suffering from this condition.

What Types of Chiropractic Treatments are Effective for TMJ?

It will be necessary to assess the patient’s TMJ treatment individually. There is no blanket solution for TMJ, as anything from jaw injuries to stress can cause it. Studies have shown that upper cervical chiropractic is an effective set of techniques to relieve pain and other associated symptoms of TMJ. During this procedure, key areas of the upper spine are realigned. To reduce pain and restore normal range of movement, the chiropractor work with key muscles of the TMJ – such as the pterygoid, masseter, and temporalis – until better jaw adjustment is achieved.

If you are suffering from TMD symptoms, ask your dental professional if a TMJ chiropractic treatment – either alone or as a part of conjunction therapy – is a better option for reducing your symptoms. What matters most is that your pain is eased so that you can enjoy eating and all of life’s pleasures.