TMJ Dysfunction
(Jaw Dysfunction)
Understanding and Treating TMJ Disorders:
Are you frustrated by persistent jaw pain that disrupts your daily life and affects your well-being? At Be Better Chiropractic, we understand the impact of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders on your comfort and functionality.
TMJ stands for the Temporomandibular Joint, the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. It acts like a sliding hinge, allowing you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, enabling chewing, talking, and yawning. TMJ issues can arise from various factors, leading to discomfort and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. After all, it is one of the most used joints in the body, Some common causes include:
Causes:
- Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching (Bruxism): Excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
- Jaw Trauma or Injury: Damage from accidents or impacts.
- Arthritis: Inflammation, pain, and stiffness due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Poor Bite Alignment (Malocclusion): Stress on the TMJ from misaligned teeth or jaws.
- Stress and Anxiety: Jaw clenching and muscle tension from emotional stress.
- Chewing Habits: Strain from excessive gum chewing or nail biting.
- Poor Posture: Incorrect head and neck posture affecting jaw alignment.
Symptoms:
- Pain or Tenderness: In the jaw joint area, face, temples, neck, or shoulders.
- Difficulty or Discomfort: When chewing, talking, or opening/closing the mouth.
- Clicking, Popping, or Grating Sounds: When moving the jaw.
- Locking of the Jaw: Stuck in an open or closed position.
- Swelling: Especially on the side of the face.
- Changes in Bite: Altered fit of the upper and lower teeth.
At our clinic, our chiropractors conduct a thorough assessment to determine if your symptoms stem from a jaw problem or another body part. With an accurate diagnosis, we tailor your TMJ treatment to address your specific needs and support your overall health.
With the correct assessment, we can tailor the jaw pain and TMJ treatment recommended for you, whilst also supporting you to reach and maintain optimal health.
If misalignments in your neck and upper back contribute to your TMJ pain, our chiropractors will include spinal adjustments as part of your TMJ treatment. Additionally, we may also use cranial therapy to alleviate tension in the skull, further improving TMJ-related symptoms.
How we use Chiropractic Care to Treat TMJ:
- TMJ Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle and precise adjustments to the jaw and surrounding structures to alleviate pain and improve jaw function.
- Soft Tissue Techniques: Utilization of techniques like myofascial release or trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension and enhance jaw mobility.
- Customised Exercises: Targeted exercises designed to strengthen jaw muscles, improve flexibility, and promote proper jaw alignment.
- Postural Advice: Guidance on maintaining optimal posture during daily activities to minimize jaw strain and support long-term recovery.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care for TMJ
Chiropractic Care offers several benefits for individuals suffering from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders, focusing on non-invasive techniques aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing overall well-being. By addressing muscle tension and promoting proper jaw alignment, chiropractic treatments can significantly alleviate TMJ-related pain. Improved jaw function and mobility are achieved through gentle adjustments and soft tissue techniques, facilitating easier chewing, speaking, and yawning. This holistic approach avoids the need for medications or surgeries, providing a safe and natural alternative for managing TMJ disorders. Personalised treatment plans ensure that each patient receives care tailored to their specific needs, while guidance on posture and lifestyle adjustments supports long-term recovery and overall health. Additionally, our chiropractors collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists or physical therapists, when needed to provide integrated and comprehensive care for complex TMJ issues.
Self-Care Tips for Managing TMJ Pain
Cold and Heat Packs
Applying a cold pack to the jaw area for 10-15 minutes can help reduce inflammation and numb pain. Conversely, using a warm towel or heating pad for 15-20 minutes can relax muscles, improve blood flow, and ease muscle stiffness.
Gentle Stretches jaw and Neck stretches
Performing gentle stretches for the neck and jaw can maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Slowly opening and closing your mouth as well as moving your jaw from side to side and tilting your head from side to side, can alleviate tightness and improve mobility.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Incorporating stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage TMJ pain. Reducing overall stress levels can prevent jaw clenching and grinding, which are common contributors to TMJ disorders.
Looking for Relief beyond TMJ?
At Be Better Chiropractic, we’re dedicated to your overall wellness. Alongside our TMJ treatments, we provide solutions for back pain, neck pain, posture correction, sciatica discomfort, headaches, injury management & emergency care, and shoulder pain. We believe in empowering you to live pain-free and thrive in every aspect of your life. Contact us today to embark on your journey towards better health and well-being.