TMJD Treatment in Victoria
Most people don’t realize that the most used joint in the body is your jaw. Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJD, is a collection of bones, muscles, and discs that normally work together to allow total freedom of movement in the jaw.
Cause and Symptoms
TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is very common and refers to a wide variety of conditions that affect TM joints, jaw muscles, and facial nerves. The jaw pain results from either the disc or the jawbone being pulled from its regular position. This may occur from the surrounding muscles tightening, placing undue strain on your jaw. Certain risk factors can make you more susceptible—arthritis, clenching or grinding your teeth, autoimmune diseases, injury or trauma to the jaw, or holding your mouth open for long periods of time (like at the dentist). Genetics may also play a part in why you’re more likely to have this problem.
Like any disorder, symptoms may vary from person to person. Some of the common symptoms we see at Aria Health and Wellness Clinic include:
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Earaches
- Pain when chewing
- Headaches & migraines
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Soreness or tenderness in the jaw muscles
How We Help
TMJD care targets the joint, surrounding muscles, and cervical spine to ensure that all potential causes of your pain are addressed. Starting with a thorough examination of the TMJD and cervical spine, our doctor works to isolate the root cause of the pain. Using specific, non-invasive techniques, we work to correct the problem, relieving the pain and discomfort.
Using a combination of therapies, such as manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercises, we help realign the jaw, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion. The adjustment ensures every part is in a natural position, removing the stress caused by misalignments. The soft tissue manipulation provides pain relief and speed healing. We massage and align the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and joints, quickly relieving TMJD pain.
Our doctors also focus on the cervical spine, as well as the upper back and shoulders, as these areas are closely related to jaw function and may have an effect on the TMJD joint. By addressing any misalignments or restrictions in these areas, we help reduce tension and improve mobility in the jaw.
The care plan also includes specific rehab exercises and addresses lifestyle factors which might be creating the problems.
Learn More
If you want to learn more about TMJD problems and how chiropractic care may help, call today and book an appointment.
