Understanding TMJ
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to discomfort, pain, and restricted movement of the jaw, making simple tasks like eating or speaking painful and challenging. While there are various treatment options available for TMJ, including medication and physical therapy, chiropractic care has gained popularity as a non-invasive and holistic approach to managing TMJ symptoms.
If you suffer from this painful condition, read on as we will delve into what TMJ is, its causes, symptoms, and how chiropractic care may offer relief.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. It is a complex joint that allows for the movement of your jaw, facilitating essential functions like chewing, talking, and yawning. TMJ disorder occurs when this joint becomes dysfunctional or experiences problems. The exact cause of TMJ disorder can vary from person to person, but some common factors include:
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
- Trauma: A direct blow to the jaw or head can cause damage to the TMJ.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can affect the TMJ.
- Misalignment: A misalignment of the jaw or bite can put a strain on the TMJ.
TMJ disorder can manifest in a variety of ways, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness: This pain is often localized around the jaw joint area.
- Clicking or popping sounds: You may hear these sounds when you open or close your mouth.
- Difficulty or pain while chewing: Chewing food can become uncomfortable or painful.
- Lockjaw: Your jaw may temporarily get stuck in an open or closed position.
- Headaches: TMJ disorder can lead to tension headaches and migraines.
- Earaches or ringing in the ears: Pain and discomfort can radiate to the ears.
TMJ VS. TMD
Although most people who suffer pain in the jaw muscles or joints experience only temporary or cyclical problems, other people go on to develop chronic symptoms and are diagnosed as having TMD.
TMJ experts categorize the condition in three ways:
- Myofascial pain that affects the jaw, neck, and shoulders. (Myofascial refers to the muscles, not the face.)
- Dislocation of the jaw or displacement of a disc
- Degenerative joint disease, meaning rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the jaw joint
A physical insult to the jaw is a major cause of TMD. This may be a knock while playing a sport, a punch, or simply through overuse syndromes such as excessive gum-chewing or significantly favoring one side of the mouth when chewing.
Extended periods of physical stress can also lead to TMD. For example, if you find yourself sitting in a dentist’s chair with your mouth wide open for hours, most dentists are aware of this problem and schedule breaks for the patient or screen them before treatment for any jaw joint issues. If there is a problem, appropriate physical therapy may be required after treatment, or the patient may be asked to prepare before treatment with a series of jaw-loosening exercises.
Emotional stress can also contribute to TMD, although it is not in itself the cause. When a person is stressed and reacts physically through repeated teeth clenching or grinding, especially when this happens unconsciously at night, TMD may develop if the stress continues to produce these physical effects for any length of time.
Certain conditions that used to be labeled as causes of TMD are now referred to as just triggers. This includes moderate gum chewing, jaw clicking that causes no pain, orthodontic treatment that does not involve excessive opening of the mouth, and upper and lower jaws that have never fitted together properly.
Women are four times more likely to experience TMD than men, which may be down to postural differences exacerbated by high heels.
Recommendations
If you have TMJ, your chiropractor may recommend a Chiropractic adjustment, massage, applying heat/ice, and special exercises. In most cases, your Chiropractor’s first target is to relieve symptoms, in particular pain. If your Doctor of Chiropractic feels that you need special appliances (with the exception of mouth guards against teeth grinding), he or she will refer you to an orthodontist for co-management.
Along with treatment, your Chiropractor can also offer relief for TMJ disorder through the following methods:
- Lessen the pain through heat and ice packs. Like all muscles, ice is recommended shortly after the injury or after your pain has started. In the later stages of healing, switching to heat is important, especially if you are still experiencing discomfort.
- Avoid more damage through joint movements. For instance, chomping into a hard apple is just as bad as crunching into hard candy. Some foods require opening the mouth too wide, which has a destabilizing effect on the jaw.
- Perform exercises that are TMJ-specific. Depending on your symptoms and condition, your Chiropractor will most likely recommend stretching or strengthening exercises. Stretching helps loosen tight muscles, and strengthening helps tighten loose muscles.
- Manual Adjustments: Chiropractors can use manual techniques to adjust the jaw and address misalignments that may be contributing to TMJ symptoms.
- Muscle Relaxation: They may also employ techniques to relax the muscles around the jaw, reducing tension and pain.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Chiropractors can offer advice on lifestyle changes, including exercises and stress management, to alleviate TMJ symptoms.
- Posture Correction: Poor posture can contribute to TMJ problems, and chiropractors can help address postural issues that may be aggravating the condition.
- Orthodontic Assistance: In some cases, chiropractors may collaborate with orthodontists to provide comprehensive care for TMJ disorder.
We Can Help!
TMJ disorder can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but it is a treatable condition. Chiropractic care, with its focus on holistic well-being and natural healing, offers a promising avenue for managing TMJ symptoms. If you’re experiencing TMJ-related pain or discomfort, consult with a qualified chiropractor to explore personalized treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Chiropractic care, combined with proper self-care and lifestyle adjustments, can help you regain comfort and functionality in your jaw joint. If you or someone you love is suffering from TMJ, please call. We can help!
