TMJ Disorder

By Jasmine Alvarez

TMJ Disorder Q&A

Why Chiropractic?

The Journal of Oral Rehabilitation recommends examination of the cervical spine in TMJD patients, even without cervical complaints.  These findings are supported by Cranio and Clinical Oral Investigations as well.

At Virginia Family Chiropractic & Physical Medicine, we are trained to examine your neck and jaw to determine the best course of co-managed care with your oral health physician.

The position of the head and neck are intricately connected.  With proper care and treatment of spinal disorders, TMJD patients can achieve pain relief and correction.  Treatments at Virginia Family Chiropractic & Physical Medicine enable the body to respond to dental changes so that care received from your oral health physician has greater results.

What causes TMJD?

TMJD is a collective term for a broad range of disorders displaying a variety of signs:

  • Radiating pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
  • Limited movement or lock of the jaw
  • Painful clicking or grating when opening or closing the mouth
  • Significant change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

Symptoms can also include headaches, earaches, dizziness, hearing problems and difficulty swallowing. Cervical Spine disorders are perpetuating factors for TMJD, though most patients do not attribute these symptoms to neck problems.

TMJD patients receive:

  • Full examination to determine the best treatment plan
  • Pre/post X-rays
  • Multiple exams to evaluate progress
  • Gentle and safe adjustments
  • Exercises to strengthen and stabilize the jaw and neck
  • Therapies to re-train muscles for proper movement of the jaw
  • Therapies that balance muscles for proper function

How To Correct Your TMJ

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a radiating pain or constant locking of the jaw that can make normal everyday life a hassle. This pain can also affect ears and nasal passageways. Left untreated, TMJ can cause issues that only get worse over time. TMJ is usually caused by a loss of the normal curve of the neck, or an injury to the jaw or constant clenching of the teeth, which in turn is often a result of chronic stress.

Only an experienced medical professional can diagnose and treat TMJ. Our trained professionals will be able to determine which course of chiropractic treatment could best treat your TMJ, as well as determine which area of your face requires the most attention.

Meeting with one of our trained chiropractic professionals will be the first step in relieving your TMJ pain. Give our office a call today to set up a consultation.