Why You Should See a Chiropractor for TMJ

Pain is only the most immediate complication from TMJ disorders. Without proper attention, an imbalanced jaw can lead to far worse long-term issues for the upper part of your body. In the meantime, how do you deal with soreness, headaches, earaches, and more? There are plenty of reasons why you should see a chiropractor for TMJ, but the main one is this: you deserve some relief.

What Is TMJ?

It stands for Temporomandibular Disorder, which is even harder to say when your jaw aches. It’s an umbrella term for problems with the joint on either side of your head that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It’s surprisingly common and has such random signifiers—even teeth sensitivity—that not all sufferers even know they have it.

If you’re hearing clicking noises when you open your mouth, experiencing tinnitus, or enduring neck pain, a chiropractor can help loosen your jaw muscles and ease your condition. These techniques can alleviate symptoms for milder cases altogether or function in conjunction with other approaches.

Potential Treatments

A chiropractor examines each case individually and can consult with your dentist for a collaborative plan. These methods can help:

• Releasing tension in the muscles around the joints, working both outside and inside the mouth.

• Myofascial Release, which helps relax muscles and soft tissue for better function.

• Soft tissue techniques on the masseter, the deep and thick jaw muscle that controls chewing.

• Active Release Therapy, which targets scar tissue.

• Postural changes and upper-neck positions that can ease TMJ.

• Correction of any misalignment between the spine and nervous system. 

• Trigger point therapy with a focus on other muscles key to TMJ, including the temporalis and the pterygoid.

A Plan for the Future

Your dentist can tell you if you have any symptoms for TMJ and make recommendations for how you should proceed. More severe cases might involve invasive solutions such as surgery. But if the pain and repercussions are disrupting your quality of life, you should see a chiropractor for TMJ to find out how to get more immediate comfort.

If you need a chiropractor near Clifton, New Jersey, consider Garden State Spinal Care. We serve North and Central New Jersey and New York, treating patients in a relaxed, spa-like setting. For more information on how we can improve your general wellness, visit us today.