How Chiropractic can help heal your jaw pain!
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome accounts for a large percentage of facial, temporal, and even ear pain.
The typical symptom characterizing TMJ syndrome is pain in the TMJ joint and surrounding muscles which is often aggravated by chewing. Patients may also experience a limitation in movement when opening the mouth or a clicking or locking sensation when doing so.
The TMJ joint connects the mandible(jawbone) to the skull. It is a sliding hinge joint which is dependant on a small intra-articular disc for its normal gliding motion. Occasionally this small disc may displace slightly resulting in painful locking or clicking symptoms. Wear and tear on the disc may also result from repetitive clenching or grinding of the teeth. The pain arises from direct irritation to the disc and the resultant muscle spasm of the jaw muscles (pterygoid, temporalis and masseter muscles especially).
Treatment is aimed at relieving tension on the joint (and disc) and surrounding jaw muscles by balancing the TMJ biomechanics (movement pattern). This is done by performing specific joint mobilization and muscle release techniques. These include TMJ mobilization/manipulation and myofascial trigger point therapy to the related muscles. Chiropractors will also treat the upper cervical spine which can influence the nerve supply the TMJ( via reflex mechanisms). Stretching and strengthening(balancing) exercises are also advised.
The most important consideration in treating TMJ syndrome is to address the cause of the problem. This can include direct trauma(as in boxing), various arthritides, muscle imbalance due to incorrect eating habits, grinding of the teeth whilst sleeping and habitual clenching of the jaw. Often releasing the tension on the TMJ and cognitive relaxation techniques with exercise can stop the teeth clenching and grinding habits.
Your Chiropractor will advise you if further medical/dental intervention is necessary, namely bite plates, arthritic medication or infiltrations etc-firstly however, always explore the more conservative avenues namely CHIROPRACTIC! Remember, we’ve got your back!
Articles written by Dr.Etienne Greyling
