Columbia MD CHIROPRACTOR MAY HELP TMJ

Among the areas of the body that Columbia MD chiropractors are able to help, many people are surprised to learn that the jaw is on the list. It's easy to associate back pain and neck pain with chiropractic treatment, but people who suffer from TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can also find relief.

WHAT IS TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. This joint connects your jaw to your skull, so it stands to reason that if you have issues with the muscles or ligaments that control its movement you may experience problems.
Some common symptoms of TMJ include pain in your jaw, cheek, teeth, or front of the ear when you chew or yawn, clicking noises in the jaw, an inability to open your mouth wide, or having your jaw lock when you open it. You also may notice that your upper and lower teeth no longer fit together properly when you close your mouth. Some patients experience headaches, hearing issues, dizziness, or earaches as part of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

CAUSES OF TMJ

TMJ has a myriad of potential causes that your chiropractors will explore during your initial exam. Some of the known causes of TMJ include serious jaw trauma or dislocation, physical or emotional stress, or even sitting in a dentist's chair for long periods of time with your mouth wide open. Research shows that a large percentage of people experiencing TMJ pain also experience neck pain in some degree. Research also shows a connection between cervical spine dysfunction and TMJ related pain. Statistics show that women are four times as likely to suffer from TMJ as men.

CAN A Columbia MD CHIROPRACTOR HELP TMJ?

Once your chiropractor examines you and diagnoses your condition, a treatment plan based on the specifics of your situation will be reviewed. A treatment plan for TMJ will typically include chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy (massage / trigger point therapy), laser therapy, and specific rehabilitation exercises.