TMJ (JAW PAIN)

Headache, dizziness, jaw pain, and earaches are the results of disturbances to normal function. The causes can be an uneven bite, trauma to the jaw, keeping the mouth open for a long period of time, bruxism or grinding of the teeth, and imbalance in the bite from dental restoration.

In order to check if popping and clicking noises, soreness, and pain in the ear are due to TMJ, you should consult a chiropractor in East Providence RI, Pawtucket RI, Providence RI, or Central Falls RI. To see if there has been damage or deterioration to the cartilage in the joint, x-rays are a good method to go for. To determine the overall integrity of the TMJ an MRI may also be done. These tests and analyses help the chiropractor to plan the treatment method in a better way and to also determine the root cause of the pain and problem.

HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ)?

Trigger Point Therapy - Chiropractic care for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can ease pain by correcting the misalignment between the spine and nervous system. Chiropractic care can be effective at reducing the pain associated with TMJ, either when used alone or as a complement to other treatments. This is because, rather than changing the diet or modifying the teeth, it relaxes the muscles, adjusts the joint, and uses specific trigger points to accurately re-position the jaw. When done successfully, this will not only relieve pain in the short run but it will help prevent TMJ pain from returning.

Chiropractic treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) focuses on relieving tension in the muscles around the joints themselves-working both outside and inside the mouth, using massage and trigger point therapy. A trigger point is a very sensitive area made of muscle fibers. Trigger points feel like knots and may cause pain or even a twitching response when pressure is applied to them. A chiropractor can manipulate trigger points in such a way to alleviate the pain associated with them.

WHY USE CHIROPRACTIC FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER?

Activator Method - While there are numerous ways to effectively treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, scientific studies have shown that chiropractic was helpful in cases of TMJ. In a 2003 study, 15 participants were administered treatments with the Activator Method, which uses a tool that delivers high-frequency, low-impact adjustments. All participants showed improvements in the distance they could open their jaws and in pain measurements. Although this group was not compared to a group receiving traditional treatment, it shows that chiropractic treatments like the Activator Method show promise as an emerging treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Chiropractic may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatment approaches such as:

• Application of hot and cold compresses, which reduces inflammation.
• When teeth grinding or clenching is an issue, wearing a mouth night guard can help prevent these actions during sleep.
• Bite plates can help correct misalignment.
• Stress reduction, relaxation techniques, jaw-stretching exercises, and modifying chewing habits are all behavioral approaches that are proven effective.

More research into chiropractic methods used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is needed; meanwhile, evidence from existing studies as well as patient testimony suggest that chiropractic therapies are helpful in relieving TMJ symptoms.

Many report relief and satisfaction with chiropractic care for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. In a survey of 192 members of a health maintenance organization published in 2003, nearly two-thirds reported using some form of complementary medicine to treat TMJ. Almost everyone surveyed used complementary approaches together with other traditional treatments, and the greatest satisfaction was reported for the hands-on alternative therapies, including chiropractic.