Chiropractic Care for TMJ Pain
Introduction
The word chiropractic care is generally associated with back pain and neck pain treatment. But did you know that it is also a safe and effective means of treating TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorders? If you have tried other TMJ methods to treat TMJ but to no success, then it’s worth considering chiropractic treatment for TMJ at Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection.
What is TMJ Pain?
What exactly is TMJ? In layman’s language, it’s the jaw joint connecting the mandible to the skull’s temporal bone on each side of the head.
TMJ pain affects about 12% of the US population and is caused by acute or chronic inflammation of the joints, surrounding tissues, facial nerves, and jaw muscles. There may be jaw pain in one or both of the TM joints.
The pain can get so severe that it affects your speaking, chewing, swallowing abilities, facial expressions, and even breathing. It is most noticeable while moving the jaw.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
TMJ has various possible causes, but the most common is an injury or trauma to the jaw. Other possible causes include:
- Nail-biting
- Teeth grinding
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Degenerative joint diseases like arthritis
- Some dental procedures performed by the dentist
Genetics, hormones, and even environmental factors are possible contributing causes of TMJ pain.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Pain?
TMJ symptoms vary between people. There may be mild and annoying symptoms in some or extreme, chronic pain in others. The common symptoms for TMJ are:
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw pain
- Clicking sound or pain while moving jaws while talking or chewing food
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Jaw stiffness
- Vision problems
- Dizziness
- Ear pain and tinnitus
You should treat TMJ as soon as possible because the pain increases if not dealt with. While painkillers give temporary relief, the symptoms return once the medication wears off.
Chiropractic care, however, offers a long-term solution by treating the root of the problem. Tacoma Chiropractor Dr. Bradley Eyford can provide natural and safe chiropractic care for TMJ pain relief.
The Ins and Outs of Chiropractic Care for TMJ
Chiropractic care helps regain normal jaw functioning by releasing the surrounding jaw muscles. It’s, however, not always the jaw issues that trigger TMJ. Spinal misalignments can cause tension through the body, including the jaw joints.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments remove misalignments to reduce nerve interferences and tension while alleviating the pain associated with TMJ. Regular chiropractic care not only provides pain relief and prevents future TMJ episodes, but its numerous benefits also improve your overall health and wellness.
What Can Chiropractic Care Do For TMJ?
Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection takes pride in being the top chiropractic clinic in Tacoma that uses the latest and most innovative chiropractic therapies to treat TMJ pain, including cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is Dr. Eyford’s favorite treatment that exposes the jaw to an extremely low temperature for several minutes; it helps reduce both TMJ pain and inflammation.
Dr.Bradley also uses infrared light therapy to help heal TMJ muscle tissue to provide pain relief. Other standard treatments used at Health Connection include cold laser, Graston, adjustments, decompression, normaTec, and more.
Now that you know chiropractic care can help provide TMJ pain relief, all it takes is a phone call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bradley Eyford, DC.
