Can Chiropractors Help with TMJ?
If you suffer from TMJ, then you know how uncomfortable and even debilitating it can be. Painful jaw joints, aching teeth, and sore muscles are just some of the symptoms that come along with this condition. Luckily, chiropractic care can provide effective treatment and long-term relief for TMJ and it’s associated discomforts. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what chiropractic adjustment can do to help relieve your TMJ discomfort, as well as important considerations to keep in mind as you seek treatment.
At Kennedy Chiropractic Center, Dr. Corinne Kennedy offers a wide range of chiropractic services to treat pain, stiffness, mobility issues, and more. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Wauwatosa, contact Kennedy Chiropractic today.
TMJ vs. TMD
TMJ is an acronym that refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint helps you do important things like talk, chew, and yawn. “TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, while “TMD” stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, or when the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint become inflamed, irritated, or otherwise disturbed. Moving forward, we will use the acronym TMD, but the acronyms “TMJ” and “TMD” are often used interchangeably to refer to temporomandibular joint disorder.
TMD can be caused by a number of factors, including arthritis, trauma, injury, or general wear and tear. Symptoms of TMD can vary depending on the individual, but may include pain and tenderness in the face or jaw area, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, popping or clicking in the jaw area when talking or chewing food, headaches, earaches, and neck pain. In some cases, TMD can also lead to issues with speaking clearly or making facial expressions such as smiling.
TMD is very common; it’s estimated that around 3 million people experience TMD each year in the U.S. Luckily, it’s also very treatable.
How can chiropractors help to relieve TMJ pain and discomfort?
Chiropractic care is an effective way to help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with TMD. Chiropractors take a holistic approach to treating issues such as TMD, meaning they don’t just look at and treat the temporomandibular joint. Rather, they look at the musculoskeletal system as a whole to assess what else might be going on to contribute to the TMD issues.
Chiropractors are specifically trained in assessing and treating musculoskeletal issues, which can contribute to TMD. They can provide therapies such as manual manipulation, mobilization techniques, stretches, and exercises to help relax and strengthen the muscles of the jaw and neck, as well as to improve overall posture. In addition to these treatments, chiropractors can make lifestyle and nutritional recommendations to help reduce TMD symptoms.
What should people expect during their first visit to a chiropractor for TMJ relief?
During your first visit, the chiropractor will perform an initial evaluation of the jaw and neck area to assess any misalignments or postural imbalances. The chiropractor may ask questions about your symptoms, lifestyle habits, dietary choices, and overall health. They may also order additional tests such as X-rays or MRIs if needed. After gathering all the necessary information, the chiropractor will be able to create a treatment plan for TMD relief that may involve manual adjustments, therapeutic exercises, lifestyle and nutritional recommendations, and more.
It is important to remember that every case of TMD is different and should be treated as such. Chiropractic care can help relieve many of the symptoms associated with TMD, but it is important to work closely with your chiropractor and follow their recommended treatment plan. With proper care, you can find relief from TMJ pain and be on your way to living a healthier and more comfortable life.
If you’re suffering from TMJ/TMD, pain, discomfort, or limited mobility, Dr. Corinne Kennedy of Kennedy Chiropractic Center in Wauwatosa can help. She has years of experience supporting people of all ages on their journeys to holistic wellness. If you have questions about TMD or are looking for a chiropractor in Wauwatosa or a nearby community, click here to contact Kennedy Chiropractic.
