Do you feel pain or tenderness in your jaw? Or have you suffered from aching pain in and around the ear? Difficulty in chewing or pain while eating food? Aching facial pain? Trouble opening your mouth? It is a good chance that it could be the origin of the problem in your TMJ junction.
Many times you seek help from a dentist when you feel discomfort in your jaws. There are chances that misalignment in your pelvis may cause pain in the jaws. Wondering why? The truth is quite interesting. If your pelvis is tilted- your shoulders will drop down on one side, and your head may sit crooked. There is a good chance that your jaw will give you grief usually in the form of locking, popping pain or night grinding. It is a good chance that it could be the origin of the problem in your TMJ junction. A Skilled dentist and chiropractor’s advice can be of great help in overcoming dysfunction.
The TMJ junction works like a hinge or ‘door function’ which allows your mouth to swing open and a ‘drawer’ to thrust forward. The unique shape of the jaw and the articular disc is similar to the spine, which is held by ligaments and cause movements such as those found in the jaw.
Some parts of the bone that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage. It is separated by a small shock-absorbing disk which usually keeps the movement smooth.
TMJ junction will be painful if:
A Disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment
A Joint is damaged by a blow or other impact
A chiropractor can relieve tension in the surrounding muscles and reposition the jaw by using trigger point therapy. Your Chiropractor can re-establish normal function by addressing your spine to level the pelvis, shoulders and head. Then, if needed, realigning the TMJ with adjustments. Acupuncture and massage treatment can also be beneficial. Dental issues can be another source of jaw pain – for which we refer you to a dental specialist.
Chiropractic care not only alleviates your short-term pain, but it can also prevent your TMJ from returning in the future. Many times, Chiropractors will suggest at-home exercises to their patients to strengthen the jaw joint. Besides jaw-stretching exercises, reducing stress can help ward off TMJ. As you’re less likely to grind your teeth or bite your nails when you’re relaxed. A chiropractor can work with you to determine the best course of action to take to return you to a healthy state.
Happy Health and Happy living from All Care Family Chiropractic and Massage!