Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain

TMJ Chiropractor

TMJ disorder, also known as TMD Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction, is a common condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control its movement. This complex joint connects your lower jaw to the skull and plays a crucial role in everyday activities such as speaking, chewing, and even yawning.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder can be caused by various factors, often stemming from a combination of issues. These include:

  1. Misalignment: If the jaw joint isn’t properly aligned, it can lead to discomfort and restricted movement.
  2. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, especially during sleep, can strain the jaw muscles and joint.
  3. Stress: Emotional or psychological stress can contribute to clenching of the jaw muscles, leading to tension and pain.
  4. Injury: Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck, whether recent or past, can contribute to the development of TMJ disorder.
  5. Arthritis: Certain types of arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing inflammation and pain.
  6. Poor Posture: Bad posture, particularly involving the neck and shoulders, can strain the jaw muscles and exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
TMJ chiropractor shows picture of TMJ disorder displaying the bone, disk and nerves.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can manifest with a range of symptoms, varying in intensity from mild to severe. These symptoms may include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
  • Facial pain or headaches, often resembling migraines
  • Earache or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Locking of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth

Why Choose Dr. Ken to treat TMJ?

Chiropractic care offers a natural and comprehensive approach to managing TMJ disorder. The treatments focus on addressing both the physical and underlying factors contributing to your discomfort. By utilizing chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and personalized exercises, we work to alleviate pain, restore proper alignment, and enhance your quality of life.

Mixed Care Approach: Dr Ken, a skilled TMJ Chiropractor, expertly combines various therapeutic techniques—including TMJ therapy, dry needling, spinal manipulation, and exercise rehabilitation in a single visit when needed, ensuring the most effective outcomes for his patients.

Whether your TMJ symptoms are recent or long-standing, mild or severe, Dr Ken TMJ Chiropractor can provide the care and support you need.

Taking A Proper History for TMJ Disorder including yawning, talking, wisdom teeth surgery, crowns, opening and closing clicks along with jaw opening and closing to one side are important.