Understanding TMJ Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

TMJ Treatment Remedies - Toronto Downtown Chiropractor

Is Jaw Pain Ruining Your Day? Here’s What Could Be Going On

If biting into something crunchy makes your jaw click or ache, you might have TMJ disorder (also called Temporomandibular Joint Pain Disorder). It’s frustrating! Along with jaw pain, you might also have:

  • Headaches around your temples
  • Neck stiffness
  • Healthy teeth (your dentist can’t find the problem)

The Root of the Problem (For Most People)

Often, TMJ pain comes from clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night. You might not even realize you’re doing it! It can take years before the pain hits. Sometimes, old injuries or arthritis can also cause TMJ issues.

Can You Fix TMJ Disorder?

Yes, there are ways to ease the pain! Studies show that focusing on the muscles involved in chewing can help. [1] The main chewing muscles are:

  • Lateral Pterygoid Muscle
  • Medial Pterygoid Muscle
  • Masseter Muscle
  • Temporalis Muscle

Unlike gym muscles, you want these to relax instead of getting stronger.

Why TMJ Disorder Muscles Get So Tight

  • Everyday Chewing: It’s a workout in itself!
  • Stress: Clenching your jaw is an unconscious reaction to feeling overwhelmed.
  • Nighttime Clenching/Grinding: This overworks the muscles while you sleep.

Alleviating Tension Headaches: Effective Remedies for Relief

Simple Self-Treatment: Acupressure

Acupressure points can help release tension in your jaw muscles. Here’s how:

  • Find each acupressure point mentioned in the article.
  • Gently press and hold for 30 seconds to a minute.

TMJ Treatment Remedies - Toronto Downtown Chiropractor

#1 TW 21: Triple Warmer 21 To Treat TMJ Disorder

  • Just in front of the top of the ear.
  • There is a slight depression here. The point is above the ear canal.
  • Push until you feel a deep ache or electrical feeling for 30 seconds to one minute.

Core Exercises: 7 Essential Exercises for Preventing Back Pain

#2 SI 19 Small Intestine 19 To Treat TMJ Disorder

  • With mouth slightly open look for the depression just in front of the ear canal. (Just in front of the tragus for those who are experts in anatomy)
  • Push until you feel a deep ache or electrical feeling for 30 seconds to one minute.

#3GB 2 Gall Bladder 2

  • Just in front of the bottom of the ear.
  • Open and close your mouth you should feel depressed when you open your mouth.
  • Push until you feel a deep ache or electrical feeling for 30 seconds to one minute.

#4 ST6 Stomach 6

  • Slide your finger down the back of your jawbone until you get to the corner.
  • Place your finger on the muscle just in front of the corner of the jaw bone.
  • Push until you feel a deep ache or electrical feeling for 30 seconds to one minute.

If you are still having TMJ Disorder it’s time to get professional help. You should find a chiropractor that works on the TMJ regularly.

Tell us what you think in the comments below and like us on Facebook. This Toronto Downtown Chiropractor will answer all questions in the comments section.

 Reference

1.  Kalamir A, Bonello R, Graham P et al. Intraoral myofascial therapy for chronic myogenous temporomandibular disorder:  A randomized controlled trial Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics 2012; 35: 26-37.

Related Categories: Acupuncture, Food, Headaches, Hip, TMJ Temporomandibular Joint

Leave a Reply

  • Avatar for Alex

    Hi Dr. Ken i have had this pain for about one year now, i have been to a dentist but all he told me to do was keep my mouth shut and do not open wide, so he gave me medication and sadly that did not work. So ever since then i did not take this matter seriously because it did not hurt as much, but the last few weeks it has gotten much worse and i have done lots of research on TMJ disorder, but i seriously do not know what to do i think i need to see you. i have noticed when i open my mouth there is a twisting to the left so it feels locked on the left side. My question to you is do you help with TMJ disorders? and if so have you had any success with it?

    • Avatar for Dr Ken Nakamura Post
      Author

      Thanks for your question Alex. I do treat TMJ disorder all the time. The vast majority of the time I am successful given enough time. If you have given me a month most patients improve significantly.

      Hope that helps your TMJ.

  • Avatar for Shilpi Arora

    I have been with a chiropractor since 4 months now but have no relief in my tmj…i want to understand if there is a treatment in this clinic for my tmj problem…and can the chiropractic adjustments make tmj good permanently or is it a temporary thing

    • Avatar for Dr Ken Nakamura Post
      Author

      Thanks for your queston Shilpi. TMJ is intimately connected to the neck and there are corresponding areas that need to be treated in the lower back. I can only tell you that I have had success treating TMJ. Some people brux or grind their teeth or clench usually due to stress others have had accidents or injuries. Most recover quite well, while a few get better for a few months and it does come back.

      Hope that helps your TMJ.

img 9195 4 depositphotos bgremover
img 9195 4 depositphotos bgremover
Dr. Ken, has been recognized as the Best Toronto Chiropractor in 2024, 2023, and 2018, here in downtown Toronto. As a sports chiropractor, he excels in treating a wide range of conditions including concussions, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), sports-related injuries, and spinal issues. Beyond his clinical skills, Dr. Ken is an accomplished athlete, having represented Ontario in the Canadian Judo Championships and completed the Toronto Marathon on two occasions. He employs the innovative C3 Program to provide targeted and effective care to his patients, ensuring a holistic approach to their well-being and athletic performance.