Chiropractic care goes far beyond just treating back pain. At our chiropractic clinic, our diverse team of chiropractors treats conditions like TMJ, as well. TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a condition that affects the jaw and can cause a great deal of discomfort to those affected.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is located in the jaw and is connected to the skull. The muscles and ligaments attached are responsible for movement, and if this joint is affected, a variety of symptoms can present.
Symptoms of TMJ include pain in the cheeks, teeth, and ears. This pain can occur when you chew, yawn, or open your mouth wide. Clicking noises are also a symptom as the jaw is unable to open fully, causing the jaw to lock.
Your teeth may also become misaligned as the top, and bottom teeth no longer fit together they way they once used to. Aside from the damage to the joints, headaches, hearing issues, and ear pain are common.
What Causes TMJ to Occur?
If you have experienced trauma to the jaw, dislocation, or extreme stress from sitting in a dentist’s chair too long, you can develop this condition. How does trauma from the dentists cause this condition? When you suffer emotional trauma from sitting at the dentist, you may be more likely to clench your jaw, which can result in this condition over some time. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men by almost four times.
How Can Chiropractic Care Treat My TMJ?
Your chiropractor will begin by completing a full evaluation to determine the severity of the condition. This will allow them to understand in-depth just how to treat you and what treatment options will be best for your individual needs. Some treatments may include heat, ice, spinal adjustments, and or exercises that can be done at home to elongate the relief between visits.
If you suspect you may have TMJ, schedule a consultation with our chiropractors as soon as possible. It’s also essential that you follow any advice or recommendations given during that consultation and subsequent appointments. Every exercise and treatment is designed to remove the underlying cause of the problem and restore your jaw function to normal.
Our Atlanta chiropractors are here to answer any questions you may have and can provide immense relief for even the most severe cases of TMJ. Contact our team to schedule an appointment by dialing (404) 889-8828 today!