According to Mayo Clinic, over 3 million people are diagnosed with TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) in the United States each year. TMJ is when the joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull (the bones just in front of your ear) is compromised, leaving you with limited movement.
Some signs that you might have dysfunction of your TMJ are:
limited movement or locking of your jaw
pain radiating to and from the face, neck, or shoulders
clicking and other noises while opening and closing your mouth
headaches, dizziness, migraines, or ear pain
over or under bite changes
Most doctors will tell you that TMJ is untreatable, but chiropractic can help! TMJ can be caused a few different ways.
Muscular imbalances of the temporalis muscles or the masseter, lateral and/or medial pterygoids.
Disc derangement or subluxation (an incorrect placement of the joint without being completely dislocated).
Usually muscle imbalance or subluxation is caused by an injury to the jaw or face. Grinding teeth, chewing gum, or clenching teeth can also lead to TMJ.
At Preferred Chiropractic, our chiropractors are highly trained on the bones that comprise the cranium, which can directly influence the TMJ. So, there is a way to treat TMJ disorder!
Here's how a chiropractic approach to TMJ would work:
One of our chiropractors will examine you and determine the best approach needed to resolve your symptoms. If necessary, we may work with other specialists to address any structural issues through adjustments, physical therapy (if necessary), and we will show you the proper stretches to do to relieve pain in the areas giving your problems.
If you or someone you know is suffering symptoms that may be related to TMJ, give us a call today!
