TMJ

Conditions We Treat- TMJ

What is it?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects of the skull’s temporal bone to the mandible. There is one TMJ located on each side of the head, right in front of the ear. Used every time a person chews, swallows, or talks, it is one of the most exercised joints in the human body. When the TMJ joint is misaligned it is called TMJ Syndrome. 

Causes

  • Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash
  • Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
  • Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
  • Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
  • Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth

Symptoms

  • Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak or open your mouth wide
  • Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
  • Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
  • A tired feeling in the face
  • Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
  • Swelling on the side of the face
  • Other common symptoms include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, and earaches and hearing problems

Treatment

Because spine and TMJ problems are often found together, many TMJ sufferers benefit from chiropractic care.  Low Force Chiropractic and body alignment techniques can analyze the skull/jaw/spine relationship.  These techniques have benefited patients suffering from the hidden distortions that sometimes arise within us. [Success Stories]