Chiropractic Help With Jaw Pain

The temporomandibular joint joins the jawbone and the skull. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMD is a painful condition that affects up to 10 million people and a chiropractor near you can help deal with it. 

 

Face and neck pain, a fixed jaw or limited jaw movement, a painful clicking sound while moving the mouth, lightheadedness, trouble swallowing or chewing, and a change in how the teeth fit together are all symptoms. In addition, women are four times as likely as males to suffer from TMD.

 

The most common cause of TMD is bruxism when people grind their teeth. This can be caused by stress, misaligned teeth, or an improper bite. Clenching the jaw can also lead to TMD. Arthritis, whiplash, and jaw injury are other possible causes.

 

Chiropractic care can help relieve TMD pain by realigning the bones in the jaw and skull. This removes the TMJ's pressure and allows it to heal correctly. Adjustments can also help relieve muscle tension and pain in the face and neck. If you think you may be suffering from TMD, contact your chiropractor for an evaluation.

 

Causes

 

Many things can contribute to TMD, but bruxism is the most common cause. Bruxism is when people grind their teeth. This can be caused by stress, misaligned teeth, or an improper bite. Clenching the jaw can also lead to TMD. Other possible causes include arthritis, whiplash, and jaw injury. 

 

Conventional Treatment

 

TMD can be controlled with medication or lifestyle changes. Your doctor could advise you to use painkillers or muscle relaxants. Antidepressants of some varieties also reduce pain. Your doctor can suggest a sedative if you grind your teeth at night, and it makes your TMD discomfort worse. There are numerous negative effects associated with these drugs.

 

Non-drug interventions are available. Eat some soup or soft meals to relax your jaws. Don't chew gum. Bite guards, whether hard or soft, might occasionally reduce discomfort and stop you from grinding your teeth at night. Ice cubes or wet heat can be beneficial. You can learn jaw-related stretching and strengthening exercises from a physical therapist.

 

Try relaxation techniques if your TMD is brought on by stress and anxiety. For example, it might be beneficial to try massage, acupuncture, biofeedback, counseling, or mindfulness meditation.

 

In severe circumstances, some medical professionals advise having this joint repaired surgically.

 

Chiropractic Treatment

 

Your chiropractor will start by asking questions about your symptoms and health history. They will also give you a physical examination. You may undergo tests, such as x-rays, to rule out other causes of your pain. Next, your chiropractor may gently move your head, neck, and jaw to find the source of your pain.

 

Once a diagnosis is made, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan. This might include lifestyle changes, exercises, stretches, nutritional advice, and massage. 

 

Your chiropractor may also use manual manipulation to realign your jaw and skull bones. This removes the TMJ's pressure and allows it to heal correctly. Adjustments can also help relieve muscle tension and pain in the face and neck.

 

If you think you may be suffering from TMD, contact your chiropractor for an evaluation. Chiropractic care is a safe, drug-free treatment option that can relieve pain and help you get back to your normal life.

 

Call us for help!

 

Chiropractic care might provide relief for certain TMD patients. For example, your jaw and neck can be adjusted by a chiropractor near you to enhance alignment and reduce muscle stress. 

 

Additionally, many chiropractors recommend specific exercises, hot and cold therapy, and other non-pharmaceutical therapies. For the most special treatment, your dentist and chiropractor may work together.

 

Collective Chiropractic is passionate about helping our patients achieve their optimal level of health. If you are suffering from TMD, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

 

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Resources:

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