Causes and Symptoms of TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important joint that is connected to your skull, just below your jawbone. This joint is responsible for the opening and closing of your mouth, the connected muscles and the joint are necessary for you to chew and talk. Unfortunately, there are a number of things that can go wrong with your TMJ, including teeth grinding and clinching of your teeth. There is a cartilage disc located between the joints that help keep the movements smooth, but when the muscles are irritated, the joints become “displaced,” which can lead to tenderness, difficulties opening or closing your mouth, and pain. Many people suffering with TMJ tend to go to their dentist or family doctor for relief, but for the safest, least invasive form of treatment, you should instead consider visiting your chiropractor in Charleston, WV.
Causes of TMJ Disease/Disorder
TMJ disorder is actually a very common disorder. Many people only experience temporary discomfort, so they do not seek out treatment. However, even if the pain is short-term or only happens occasionally, it’s important to seek chiropractic care as soon as possible in order to prevent continued pain from the disease worsening. Some of the most common causes of TMJD (TMJ disorder) include:
- Overuse of the joint (excessive chewing)
- Orthodontic problems
- Habitual teeth grinding or clenching
- Injury to the joint
- Degenerative joint disease
Symptoms of TMJD
The primary symptoms of TMJ disorder are pain and discomfort in your jaw; however, you may also experience headaches, dizziness, difficulty chewing and/or earaches. When experiencing TMJ pain, there are three primary types of pain that you may experience from within the joint:
- Internal derangement, which generally means a displaced or dislocated disc
- Myofascial pain, which experiencing pain in the muscles that control your jaw as well as the muscles that connect your neck and shoulder
- Degenerative joint disease, which stiffens the movements of jaw, leading to pain within the jaw joint
Chiropractic Treatment and Pain Relief for TMJ
Although TMJ may sometimes be unavoidable, with proper chiropractic care, you can help to keep the disorder under control. Treatment from your chiropractor may include spinal manipulation therapy, exercises, and soft tissue massage, all of which have been shown to effectively reduce symptoms and provide pain relief. Additional treatment from your chiropractor will also include focusing on the relationship between your back, spine and neck as it relates to the structure of your jaw, which can help to provide significant pain relief for TMJ. It’s important to keep in mind that chiropractic treatment is a safe, non-invasive, and drug free type of treatment for TMJ.
To learn more information about TMJ or to schedule a consult to begin your TMJ treatment, contact Kanawha Valley Family Chiropractic in Charleston, WV.
