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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is jaw pain with improper jaw tracking that may present with clicking or locking of the jaw when trying to eat or open the mouth. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth. The exact cause of TMJ disorder is best diagnosed by a doctor of chiropractic. In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with nonsurgical treatments, such as specialized chiropractic care and rehabilitative exercises.
While chiropractic care for TMJ may not be your first instinct, Thrive Wellness Center in Fayetteville can help you find the cause of your problem and alleviate your pain.
Pain or tenderness in the jaw in one or both of the temporomandibular joints.
A clicking or locking sensation in the jaw when opening the mouth.
Pulsating jaw pain from clenching or grinding teeth.
Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth.
Because the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) controls so many bodily functions and sensations, TMJ disorders can be caused by a wide variety of issues.
The TMJ disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment.
The joint's cartilage is damaged by arthritis.
The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact.
TMJ issues will manifest because of dysfunctions in the neck.
Adjustments made to the upper portion of the neck at our Fayetteville practice can help alleviate pain and tension caused by TMJ jaw pain.
TMJ involves a gentle, firm, targeted approach to help re-set the jaw for proper tracking and alignment. Once the jaw is back on track, many of the uncomfortable symptoms of TMJ will be relieved and alleviated.
Targeted stretching and exercises throughout the day can be all you need to relieve jaw pain.
Adjustments and postural changes reduce pain and decrease the severity of TMJ pain.
Restore function, ability, and quality of life with adjustments that create alignment throughout the body.
Reduce the frequency of TMJ pain with changes that address stress and tension.
Yes. TMJ is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joints, which are located right below both of your ears. The pain from TMJ can sometimes radiate from these joints into your temples and your head, causing or triggering headaches and migraines.
TMJ can also worsen some common migraine symptoms, such as dizziness. If your jaw joints are damaged, the inflammation can affect the inside of your ears, interfering with your balance and causing you to feel dizzy.
If you’re suffering from migraines and you also have jaw pain, it’s very likely that you have TMJ. Without proper treatment, it’s likely that your condition will only get worse. With TMJ treatment from Thrive Wellness Center, you can get help for TMJ, and also reduce your risk of debilitating migraine headaches.
Yes. If you don’t get treatment for TMJ, you will continue to have chronic jaw pain. This can distract you from your everyday life, and reduce your ability to focus on work, school, or your other responsibilities.
Without TMJ treatment, it’s also likely that your other symptoms will get worse. You may experience severe joint stiffness in your jaw, and could even have trouble opening or closing your mouth all the way.
This jaw pain and discomfort can also interfere with your ability to eat certain foods, like tougher meats and raw fruits and vegetables. In turn, that may limit your ability to eat proper nutrients and maintain a healthy diet.
Untreated TMJ can also result in damage to your teeth if your TMJ is caused by teeth grinding. As you clench and grind your teeth together, this puts lots of stress on your teeth. This can wear them down, or even cause chipped or broken teeth.
For all of these reasons, it’s important to get help from the team at Thrive Wellness Center if you suspect you have TMJ. With proper treatment from our team, you can eliminate your pain, get back to your daily routine, and prevent other health issues that may be caused by untreated TMJ.
First, you should avoid jaw overuse. Until you’re no longer feeling any jaw pain, you should avoid chewing gum, and you should eat mostly soft foods. Allowing your jaw muscles to rest can help prevent future TMJ and jaw pain.
In addition, if you clench or grind your teeth, you may want to see a dentist in Fayetteville to get a night guard. Night guards are made of durable plastic and fit over your teeth. They help cushion and protect your teeth from grinding, and there are even some special night guards that help reposition your jaw while you sleep, allowing your TMJ joints to heal.
You also should continue coming to Thrive Wellness Center for regular checkups, TMJ adjustments, and physical therapy. And if one of our chiropractors recommends at-home stretches and jaw exercises, make sure you do them as instructed. This helps strengthen your jaw, stretches the joints, and prevents further jaw pain.
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