Chiropractic Care for Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders

19 Dec 2022

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in our bodies.¹ It has several functions but is primarily used for important activities such as talking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing. Due to the complexity of this joint, there are many structures that can be producing pain or dysfunction in the area. Most commonly, TMJ pain occurs when there is a problem with the muscles, ligaments, cartilage, or disc position (Yes, the TMJ has a disc inside it!). Here is a little bit of information on what TMJ is, what causes it and how it can be treated by a chiropractor.

What are symptoms of a TMJ disorder?

• Jaw and facial pain²
• Earaches¹
• Headaches¹
• Neck/shoulder pain¹ 
• Limited jaw motion¹
• Tingling or numbness¹
• Ringing in the ears¹
• Sleep disturbance¹ 
• Emotional/mood changes¹
  
  

What are some causes of TMJ-related pain?

1. Muscle imbalances or tightness¹
2. Clenching/grinding 
3. Displaced disc
4. Forward head posture¹ 
5. Trauma²
6. Arthritis²

Treatments we offer for TMJ disorders

• Acupuncture/dry needling 
• Intraoral vibration therapy 
• TMJ Adjustments 
• Strengthening exercises 
  
  

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are wondering what chiropractic can do for your jaw pain, book an appointment with Dr. Ridge at Natural Choice Medical Clinic in Guelph!

References

1. Wang. (n.d.). Temporomandibular Joint (By Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College)
   [Slide show]. CMCC – AN 1103.
2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders: Symptoms, treatment & prevention.
   Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2022, from
   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15066-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-
   overview#:~:text=TMJ%20dysfunction%20occurs%20when%20the,may%20be%20mild
   %20or%20severe.
   
   
   Images from:
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
4. https://anytimephysio.com.au/jaw-pain-treatment-guide/