Our bodies are made up of intricate systems functioning together in harmony, and when one part is compromised it can affect the entire body. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is no exception. It’s a complex joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, and when it’s out of balance, the entire body can suffer. When the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments around your jaw are out of balance or not in sync with each other, TMJ pain can be caused. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe chronic pain if left untreated. Below, we discuss the anatomy of the jaw, common causes and symptoms of TMJ, and how we treat it.
How Common is TMJ?
TMJ affects more than 10 million people in the United States alone and can affect anyone at any age. It is more common among women than men and can become more common as one ages. This is due to the gradual wear and tear that occurs with age and other factors related to lifestyle habits.
Anatomy of the Jaw – Normal Jaw Function vs. TMJ Jaw Function
The jaw comprises two joints, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the mandibular joint (MJ). The TMJ is responsible for the movement of the jaw, while the MJ assists with proper jaw alignment and stability. When both joints are working in harmony, the jaw will function correctly. When one of these joints becomes irritated due to an injury, poor posture or other causes, it can cause the jaw to become misaligned and lead to temporomandibular joint pain.
During a temporomandibular joint flare-up, the surrounding facial muscles become tense and painful. This is because these muscles work harder to stabilize the jaw in its misaligned position. This pain leads to further complications such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain and even earaches.
Common Causes
The most common causes of TMJ are:
Teeth Clenching
When you clench or grind your teeth, it can cause excess pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which leads to pain and inflammation. This is because the jaw is being forced into an unnatural position. The extra pressure can also cause the jaw to become misaligned, leading to further pain and discomfort.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause the jaw to become misaligned, leading to swelling and inflammation. This can also cause additional stress on the temporomandibular joint, leading to more pain. In some cases, the joint can become so damaged that it needs to be replaced.
Poor Posture
Poor posture can cause neck and shoulder muscles to become tense, leading to jaw tension and pain. This is because the neck muscles are connected to the jaw muscles, so when one is tense, the other will become tense.
Stress
When we are stressed, it can cause us to clench and grind our teeth, leading to temporomandibular joint pain. It can also cause us to tense our muscles, leading to jaw tension and discomfort. The constant stress can also lead to headaches and neck pain.
How We Treat TMJ Pain
At our clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating temporomandibular joint pain. This includes:
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
Our expert practitioners will discuss your symptoms in detail during consultation and observe how you move your jaw and neck. During the consultation, our practitioners will also assess your posture, bite and range of motion. This is to determine the cause of your temporomandibular joint pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Also, x-rays may be taken if necessary. These x-rays will give us an accurate picture of the structures inside your jaw and help us determine what treatment is best for you.
Specific Chiropractic Care
Our chiropractors will use various techniques to help realign the jaw and reduce tension. These may include adjusting the jaw joint, applying pressure to trigger points or stretching and mobilizing the surrounding muscles.
If they choose to adjust the joint, they will use a light force to move it into its correct position gently. This is done without cracking or popping the jaw. They may then recommend exercises or stretches to help keep the jaw in its correct position.
Pressuring the trigger points can help to reduce tension in the muscles and relieve pain. Our chiropractors will use their hands to apply pressure to these knots, which will help to release the built-up tension and reduce inflammation.
Stretching and mobilizing the muscles around the jaw is also important for restoring the jaw’s normal range of motion. This can help to reduce tension and pain, as well as improve overall function.
The method used will depend on the severity of your condition and what is causing it. Our chiropractors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will help you reduce your pain and improve your jaw function.
Massage
Our massage therapists will use various techniques to relieve tension and reduce pain. This may include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Massage can help to relax the muscles around the jaw and help to reduce stress in the body, which can contribute to temporomandibular joint pain.
When massaging, the therapist will start warming the area with light strokes. They will then use deeper pressure to work on any areas of tension. This will help to reduce the pain and improve mobility. After the massage, they will perform a cool down to help the body relax. Some people may need additional treatments over time to achieve the best results.
If the therapist suspects that your temporomandibular joint pain is caused by an underlying problem, they may refer you to our chiropractors or other specialists for further evaluation.
Deep Tissue Laser
Deep tissue laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw. It targets specific areas of the jaw with a low-level laser, which helps reduce tension and inflammation. Laser therapy can also help improve the range of motion in the jaw, reducing pain and improving function.
The procedure starts with a consultation to determine the best area of treatment. During the procedure, our practitioners will apply the laser to specific jaw areas for 10-15 minutes. The laser helps to reduce inflammation and can provide relief from pain and stiffness in the jaw.
The benefits of laser therapy can be seen almost immediately, and it can provide long-term relief from TMJ pain. However, it is important to note that laser therapy should be combined with other treatments for the best results.
Nutrition & Supplementation
TMJ can be caused by a lack of certain nutrients in the diet, such as calcium and magnesium. Our nutritionists will work with you to create a customized nutrition plan that will help to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. This can help to reduce inflammation, improve joint health and reduce pain.
Our nutritionists may also recommend certain supplements to help improve joint health. These can include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to be beneficial for joint health. Combined with a healthy diet and other treatments, these supplements can help to reduce pain and improve function.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Pain
The symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:
Jaw pain
Your jaw may feel sore and tender, or there may be a sharp pain when you move it. This pain is similar to the pain of an earache. It might be worse on one side or felt on both sides of your jaw.
Jaw Popping or Clicking
You may hear or feel a popping or clicking sensation when you open your mouth. This can be caused by the jaw joint becoming misaligned or by a buildup of muscle tension. It can be accompanied by pain or stiffness.
Jaw Locking
This is when your jaw gets stuck in one position and will not move. It can be caused by tightness or muscle tension, which may indicate an underlying disorder. This symptom is usually accompanied by pain or discomfort. Sometimes, the only way to unlock your jaw is with help from a doctor or physical therapist.
Jaw Clenching
This is when you clench your jaw and grind your teeth, often without being aware that you’re doing it. It can be a sign of stress or anxiety and cause pain in the jaw and face. It can also lead to headaches and other TMJ symptoms.
Difficulty Chewing
This is when you have difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to chew food properly. A misalignment of the jaw or tightness in the muscles can cause it. This symptom is usually accompanied by pain or discomfort.
FAQs
Can Chiropractic Care Help with TMJ?
Yes, chiropractic care can help to reduce pain and improve function in the jaw. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat various conditions, including temporomandibular joint pain. They can use various techniques, such as spinal manipulation, to reduce tension in the jaw and improve the range of motion. They can also recommend lifestyle changes and exercises to help with temporomandibular joint pain.
How Do You Permanently Fix TMJ?
TMJ is a complex condition and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments, such as chiropractic care, massage, physical therapy and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to fix temporomandibular joint pain permanently. If you think you may have temporomandibular joint pain, you must see a doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes TMJ to Flare Up?
TMJ can be caused by various factors, such as grinding your teeth, misalignment of the jaw, stress or anxiety, and arthritis. It can also be triggered by a traumatic event such as whiplash or an injury to the face. It can also be caused by certain medications or medical conditions. If you do not treat the underlying cause, your symptoms may continue to flare up.
Can Chiropractors Crack Jaws?
No, chiropractors cannot crack jaws. Cracking the jaw is a procedure that only an oral surgeon can do. They may use a device to move the jaw bones into their correct positions manually. Cracking of the jaw is only done in extreme cases and is not recommended for most people with temporomandibular joint pain. If you think you need this procedure, you must consider your options and speak to a qualified medical professional.
What Happens if TMJ is Left Untreated?
If temporomandibular joint pain is left untreated, it can lead to long-term problems such as chronic pain, difficulty eating and speaking, and jaw deformities. It can also lead to other health problems, such as headaches, earaches, and neck pain. In rare cases, temporomandibular joint pain can even cause permanent damage to the jaw. It’s important that you are diagnosed and treated for temporomandibular joint pain as soon as possible.
Is TMJ a Medical or Dental Problem?
Temporomandibular joint pain can be both a medical and dental problem, depending on the cause. As a medical condition, temporomandibular joint pain is typically treated with chiropractic care, massage, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. As a dental issue, treatment may include dental restorations, bite guards, and other interventions. In some cases, both medical and dental treatments may be necessary to treat temporomandibular joint pain. These include orthodontics, dental restorations, temporomandibular joint surgery, chiropractic adjustments and lifestyle modifications. Your doctor or dentist can help you determine the best course of action for your particular case.
Can TMJ Cause Neurological Problems?
In rare cases, temporomandibular joint pain can cause neurological problems such as facial numbness, facial paralysis, and difficulty swallowing. These only occur when temporomandibular joint pain causes severe damage to the facial nerves. They may also occur if temporomandibular joint pain is left untreated for an extended period.
TMJ is a complex condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort if left untreated. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have temporomandibular joint pain. You can find relief from temporomandibular joint pain symptoms with the right combination of treatments, such as chiropractic care, massage, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating temporomandibular joint pain and what works for one person may not work for another.
