When you think of jaw pain you may not think of visiting your chiropractor for relief, but Dr. Elsey can help! A common cause of jaw pain is TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. TMJ refers to a variety of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint.
The temporomandibular joint connects the skull and jaw. If issues develop in the ligaments or muscles in this joint the resulting pain or symptoms can be almost incapacitating. Often those suffering from TMJ will feel tenderness or pain in the cheeks, face, teeth, jaw, neck, and/or around the ear, especially when chewing. You may notice a difference in the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together, sometimes the jaw can be pulled out of alignment.
TMJ may cause clicking noises or a grating sensation in the jaw or impede the ability to fully open the mouth. The jaw may also lock open. You may notice difficulty hearing or earaches as well as headaches and dizziness.
There are a variety of potential causes for TMJ, Dr. Elsey can help you diagnose the cause and begin to address the root of your TMJ. TMJ can be caused by something as simple as sitting at a dentist’s office for a long time with a wide open mouth. Stress can also cause TMJ, it can also be caused by jaw trauma or if the jaw has been dislocated. Poor posture can strain the neck and cause some issues with jaw function. Statistically women are much more likely to suffer from TMJ than men.
Depending on the cause of your TMJ Dr. Elsey will develop a treatment plan specifically for you. He may ask about the length of time you have experienced symptoms or if this is the first time that you have experienced this type of pain. Treatment may include heat or ice to lessen pain, chiropractic adjustments, and exercises to help strengthen and maintain the area.
If you are suffering from TMJ don’t wait for the symptoms to become unbearable, call our office and begin treating the problem right away! We can help restore your normal jaw function.
