What is TMJ Disorder? 

TMJ disorder (sometimes also called TMD) is a condition that affects millions of people, causing pain and impaired movement in the jaw. Women are affected about twice as often as men, with most cases beginning in middle age.

Your jawbone and skull come together to form the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It serves as a sliding hinge, enabling you to open and close your mouth. A cartilage disc separates the TMJ bones to protect them and let your jaw move smoothly. When that disc moves out of place, the jaw’s movement may become impaired or painful.

 Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

• You may have a TMJ disorder if you have symptoms such as:
• Pain in the jaw or neck, with or without movement 
• Headaches
• Difficulty chewing, talking or yawning
• Restricted movement when opening or closing the jaw
• Pain near the ear
• Muscle and joint tenderness or swelling 
• Clicking or popping sensation when moving the jaw

Causes of TMJ Pain

The causes of TMJ conditions aren’t always known, but some people develop them due to emotional stress that makes them clench their jaws or grind their teeth, often without even realizing they’re doing it. Other cases result from injuries to the jaw or arthritis.  

TMJ pain may come and go, flaring up when you’re under increased stress or eating hard, chewy foods.

Chiropractic and Other Natural Treatments for TMJ

Most people can resolve their symptoms by making lifestyle changes and using conservative, natural methods recommended by their chiropractor or dentist, including:

• Using cold or heat packs
• Eating softer foods
• Practicing gentle jaw movements
• Finding techniques that help you reduce stress
• Wearing a protective mouthguard at night
• Gentle stretching of jaw muscles for increased range of motion 
• Chiropractic manipulation to gently alleviate causes of pain and restricted movement.

Effective Chiropractic Care for TMJ Pain

Studies have shown that chiropractic neck adjustments, along with home care, reduced jaw pain and improved patients’ quality of life. 

Aligning jaw, neck, and shoulder joints and muscles help the body to heal. Your chiropractor can perform joints manipulations and release muscles that reduce dysfunction and the accompanying pressure on nerves.  

Regular chiropractic treatments also relieve stress that affects your whole body and throws your spine and neck out of alignment. Resolving misalignments can improve your mobility, preventing further dysfunction and pain in your jaw and other areas. 

Set up Your Complimentary Consultation at our Broken Arrow, OK Office

Our staff at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic is happy to answer any of your questions about chiropractic treatments and lifestyle changes. Give us a call today at (918) 940-4630. 

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