Published on July 8, 2021
Do you experience discomfort when chewing, talking and even laughing? Are you suffering from jaw pain, headaches, earaches, neck pain or chewing difficulties? If yes, you likely have Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
Causes of TMD
Here are some of the common causes of this jaw joint disorder:
- Injury to the joint
- Overuse due to excessive chewing
- Habitual clenching or teeth grinding
- Orthodontics
- Excessive nail biting
- Degenerative joint disease
How We Can Help
While most people suffering from TMD see a dentist or doctor to get relief, it’s possible to help realign the jaw with the help of chiropractic adjustments.
“Chiropractic adjustments for TMD focus on relieving tension in the muscles around the joints using massage and trigger point therapy,” said Dr. Shire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do adjustments relieve TMJ pain?
Through high-frequency, low-impact chiropractic adjustments, patients with TMD can see improvement in the distance they can open their jaws and a reduction in pain.
Can chiropractic be used as a stand-alone treatment for TMD?
Yes, but it also can serve as a complement to other therapies. We can relax the muscles, adjust the joint and use specific trigger points to reposition the jaw. Chiropractors can also employ massage to decrease the stress put on the jaw so other adjustments can be more effective.
How is the adjustment performed?
Adjustments to the jaw joint are given by hand when treating TMD with chiropractic care. This technique causes a minuscule stretch inside the joint to release any fibrous attachments made by the body as a result of previous trauma. If your TMD is caused by misalignment in the neck and upper back,
Dr. Shire can provide spinal joint adjustments in these areas to relieve pain.
Can chiropractic care prevent TMD pain from returning?
Yes, chiropractic treatment helps alleviate pain in the short term and prevent pain in the future.
Can you recommend exercises to help my TMD?
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Shire can give you home exercises to strengthen the temporomandibular joint and muscles surrounding it.
