Is Chiropractic Care Effective For TMJ?
One of the first ideas that people have when they experience back or neck pain is to see a chiropractor. Moreover, there appears to be a significant increase in the number of chiropractic care clinics nowadays.
A chiropractor is a medical specialist. They use manual spine adjustments/manipulation to diagnose and treat neuromuscular diseases. The majority of chiropractors work to enhance functionality. Besides, it also helps reduce pain, and educate you about your health.So, if you have issues with dizziness, a professional chiropractor can help you with various problems. For example, you can contact a dizziness chiropractor in Thornbury. You can also get help for many conditions, including TMJ (temporomandibular joint). However, here are some of the things you should know about:
How does chiropractic treatment work?
In essence, the basic objective of chiropractic therapy is to realign your spine. This is so because your body’s processes are in control of your central nervous system. This system consists of your brain and spinal cord. Moreover, the process it controls includes healing and regeneration.
The interference of the neurological system might result from spinal misalignments. These alignment issues are what are preventing your body from recovering. However, your aches and pains will gradually disappear and you’ll feel better if they straighten out.
What is TMJ?
This is a joint connecting your jawbone to your skull as a sliding hinge. Each side of your jaw has one joint. Temporomandibular disorders, of which TMJ dysfunction is one, can lead to pain in the muscles that move the jaw and the jaw joint.
It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact source of this illness. However, some of the causes, including arthritis, heredity, or even a jaw injury, could be the reason for the pain. This does not guarantee that you will acquire the TMJ issue. However, people who have jaw pain also often clench or grind their teeth.
Usually, the discomfort and pain brought on by TMJ issues are short-lived and manageable through self-care. And, surgery is typically not required. However, it is a final option that you may need in rare circumstances.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
- Jaw soreness and discomfort.
- Joint pain on either one or both sides.
- Aching pain in and around your ear.
- Your face is hurting.
- Discomfort or difficulty chewing.
- Joint locking makes it challenging to close and open your mouth.
When you open your mouth to chew, TMJ might occasionally cause a grating sensation or a clicking sound. However, there is no need to undergo TMJ treatment if you are not suffering any pain associated with the clicking of the jaw. Or any restrictions in your range of motion.
What are the risks?
There are various factors that might make this condition more likely to occur. They consist of:
- Damage to the jaw.
- Several forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- There are some connective tissue disorders that can harm the temporomandibular joint.
- Long-term teeth grinding and clenching.
What can a chiropractor do to help?
Many people wonder if a chiropractor can really help with TMJ treatment, and the answer is yes. A chiropractor can aid with TMJ as well as pain relief. Also, they can help with jaw-muscle lubrication through the use of soft tissue techniques.
The pterygoid, temporalis, and masseter muscles are the three main important muscles that a chiropractor would typically concentrate on when you visit them. They’ll focus on the suboccipital muscles as well. However, you will first have a consultation with the chiropractor. During this, you will thoroughly describe your problems and discuss your options and treatment plan.
Then your chiropractor will adjust your jaw, which will release tension. Also, the chiropractor can treat TMJ by loosening the muscles around the jaw. This should allow your jaw to start working correctly once more. However, if the jaw is not the primary problem, this won’t help you. Additionally, you can go see a doctor and discuss the surgery and what to expect from them.
A consultation is a must
It might be time to see a chiropractor if you are feeling any of the previously listed symptoms. To get started, make a consultation appointment. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms at the session and advise you on the best course of action. Also, if you’re curious, you can look into a TMJ chiropractor.
So, consult your doctor if you have questions about chiropractic care or if you don’t know enough about it. Alternatively, you might visit the chiropractor only for a consultation. During this time, they will assess you and inquire about the problems you are having. Chiropractic treatment can typically help you manage TMJ. However, it’s still crucial to go to a reputable chiropractor. So, do your research, then!
Final word
Chiropractic care helps greatly with your body and the same is true with TMJ. You should absolutely see your chiropractor or at the very least a doctor if you have pain in your jaw followed by discomfort or an odd sensation. When treating TMJ, chiropractic therapy has produced a lot of favorable results.
