Why See a Chiropractor for Jaw Pain (TMJ) – Do you feel discomfort in your jaw? Perhaps even pain when you chew? Chances are you may have TMJ dysfunction!
Approximately 20-30% of Australians deal with some form of TMJ dysfunction. TMJ dysfunction refers to the pain suffered from abnormal movement of the jaw joint (the temporomandibular joint (‘TMJ’) and its surrounding muscles. You have a TMJ on each side of your jaw which moves like a sliding hinge, allowing your jaw to open and close. When this joint becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause significant discomfort, and inhibit your ability to get on with day-to-day life! In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, it can also manifest as jaw locking, earaches, headaches (especially in the temples, under-eyes, and sides of the lower jaw), and neck and shoulder pain.
TMJ dysfunction can be caused by various factors, including:
- Jaw injury
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (which could be stress-related)
- Dental issues (e.g. fillings causing an uneven bite)
- Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or osteoarthritis
- Head or neck injury
So how can a chiropractor help with Jaw Pain TMJ?
In addition to common treatments of medication, bite guards, and even at-home remedies such as a cold pack, stretches, and meditation, a chiropractor can also assist!
- Adjustments – a chiropractor can perform adjustments to re-align the TMJ, and thus, mitigate pain and improve mobility
- Muscle Relaxation – chiropractors can perform a soft tissue release on not only the TMJ, but also surrounding ligaments and tissues in the face, neck and thoracic. This alleviates discomfort
- Exercises/Stretches – your chiropractor can develop a comprehensive exercise plan to assist with strengthening and loosening up the jaw to improve mobility.
- Other Adjustments – a chiropractor can also identify postural/spinal related issues contributing to your TMJ dysfunction. They can administer treatments such as adjustments, manipulation, and soft tissue release to mitigate these issues
Want to see a chiropractor? Please click here or contact us on (02) 9588 7000.
