Chiropractic care is often understood as a treatment for back and neck pain, but it can help with so much more — including TMJ! Here’s what you need to know about chiropractic as a natural treatment for TMJ.
What is TMJ?
TMJ, also known as the temporomandibular joint, is where the mandible (jaw bone) and the temporal bone (skull) meet. It’s important to understand the difference between the joint itself and disorders within the joint.
TMJ Symptoms and Disorders
When the TMJ isn’t functioning the way it’s supposed to, there is an overall term used to describe it as TMJ disorder. This is a blanket term and symptoms commonly include:
Aching around the ear
Painful and swollen joint
Clicking when opening and closing the mouth
Trouble chewing or fully opening and closing the mouth
Associated headaches and/or neck pain
Causes of TMJ Disorder
There are many causes of TMJ disorders, both known and unknown. There are several factors that can be linked with the joint dysfunction including:
Jaw injuries
Long-term grinding of teeth or clenching of the jaw
Certain types of arthritis
TMJ and Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care helps restore joint range of motion and promotes proper health and functioning within the body and the TMJ is just that — a joint. When TMJ disorder is a result of improper alignment (either in the joint or in the neck) or a loss of range of motion, chiropractic adjustments can often correct the issue giving the patient relief and a return to proper function.
Get Adjusted at Preferred Chiropractic
TMJ and other joint disorders can be painful and disruptive, particularly when the ability to eat and sleep properly are affected. If you are interested in a natural treatment for TMJ and joint disorders, click here to contact your local Midland, MI chiropractor.
