TMJ and TMD Pain

TMJ/TMD: Causes and Chiropractic Treatment

What is TMJ/TMD?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (usually referred to as “TMJ” or “TMD”) refers to pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. 

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing it to move up and down and side to side. When this joint becomes strained, injured, misaligned or damaged, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and discomfort. It can affect your ability to chew and speak, and even cause headaches and neck pain.

Common Causes of TMJ/TMD

Several factors can contribute to TMJ/TMD, including:

  • Jaw misalignment: When the joint is out of proper alignment, it can cause pain and difficulty moving the jaw.  This can happen due to injuries to the head or neck, or even can be associated with invasive or extensive dental problems or work. 
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism): Excessive clenching or teeth grinding can overwork the jaw muscles and stress the joint.
  • Injury to the neck, jaw or face: Trauma to the neck,  jaw, or facial muscle and bones can disrupt the normal function of the joint.
  • Arthritis: Degeneration of the joint cartilage can lead to TMJ dysfunction.
  • Stress: Tension in the jaw muscles from stress, poor breathing, or poor posture can contribute to pain and misalignment.

Why Choose Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center for TMJ/TMD Treatment?

We take a holistic approach to TMJ/TMD treatment, focusing on the root cause of your pain. Our chiropractic care is non-invasive, drug-free, and tailored to meet your unique needs.

At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we are committed to helping you find lasting relief and improve your overall quality of life.

tmj pain

How Chiropractic Care Can Help TMJ/TMD

At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we offer safe, non-invasive chiropractic treatments focusing on realigning the temporomandibular joint and relieving pain. Chiropractic care can provide relief in the following ways:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Gentle, targeted adjustments to the jaw and surrounding muscles can help improve mobility and alignment of the temporomandibular joint, reducing pain

Neck and Upper Spine Adjustments

The neck and spine play a critical role in TMJ function, since there are muscle and ligament connections between the two.  Muscle tension, strain, or restirction in the cervical spine can contribute to jaw pain. By addressing these areas, we can relieve tension and improve posture to alleviate pressure on the TMJ.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Tight and inflamed jaw muscles often accompany TMJ/TMD. Soft tissue massage and myofascial release can relax the muscles and improve blood flow, reducing pain and inflammation.

Postural Corrections

Poor posture, especially forward head posture, can lead to TMJ issues. We focus on correcting posture through specific exercises and adjustments, which helps relieve strain on the jaw.

At-Home Care and Exercises

Our care doesn’t stop in the office. We provide personalized exercises and stretches you can do at home to strengthen the jaw and reduce TMJ-related discomfort. We also offer lifestyle advice, such as breathing, relaxation, and stress management techniques, to help prevent future flare-ups.

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