Chiropractic care isn’t limited only to the back. A chiropractor can help with pain in your jaw as well. Jaw pain, also known as TMJ, is a painful disorder which affects the jaw and often the side of the face. TMJ is essentially a joint issue and can be treated with chiropractic care. At Balance Chiropractic Health Center, serving Oakland, CA, we understand your desire to find drug-free pain management options. Keep reading to learn how we can help with TMJ.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the lower jaw joint which connects your jaw to your skull. This joint is responsible for moving most of the major facial muscles. This joint is also very important for functions such as chewing and talking. When most people talk about TMJ, they are talking about any kind of pain or stiffness which comes from this joint.
TMJ pain or TMD can be caused by a number of different things. One of the most common causes of TMD is clenching the jaws or grinding the teeth during the night. When this happens, too much strain and pressure is being put on the joint. TMD can also be caused by poor fitting dentures or fillings, mouth trauma, or conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Some of the symptoms of TMJ include pain in the jaw, trouble opening and closing the mouth, headaches, and even ear pain.
Can a Chiropractor Help?
Although we normally think of a chiropractor as a doctor who treats back pain issues, chiropractors specialize in bringing balance to the joints and tissues of the body. A chiropractor can be very useful in treating TMJ pain. When you first visit our doctor, you will be evaluated for overall health and wellness. Diagnostic tests may be administered in order to pinpoint exactly what may be causing your TMJ discomfort. Once these diagnostic exams are completed, our chiropractor will be able to create a treatment plan just for you.
Most treatment plans will begin with a chiropractic adjustment. A misalignment in the spine can often cause an imbalance in other areas of the body. Myofascial release is another type of therapy which has been shown to be effective in treating this issue.
To learn more about our services, contact us at Balance Chiropractic Health Center, serving Oakland CA. Our number is (510) 450-0701.