Jaw misalignments are unfortunately common and can happen for several reasons, typically stress, nightly teeth grinding, jaw clenching, neck subluxations or former neck and whiplash injuries. These conditions often lead to jaw, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, headaches, clicking or popping or the jaw, dental issues, headaches, “lock jaw” and neck pain. Jaw misalignments can be quite painful and disruptive. The good news is that the chiropractic team at Caron Chiropractic is trained to help treat TMJ issues and get you back to feeling like yourself.
What TMJ Is And What Causes It
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are over three million people diagnosed with TMJ in the U.S. each year, and women are four times more likely than men to be diagnosed with the disorder. This occurs when the joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull (the bones in front of your ear) is compromised so that you have limited movement. TMJ can be caused in a few different ways:
● Muscular imbalances of the masseter, lateral and/or medial pterygoids, or the temporalis muscles. ● Subluxation (an incorrect placement of the joint without complete dislocation) and disc derangement.
Signs And Symptoms Of TMJ Include:
● radiating pain to and from the face, neck, or shoulders ● limited movement or locking of the jaw ● headaches, migraines, dizziness, or ear pain ● clicking and other noise while opening and closing the mouth ● over or under bite changes
How Chiropractors Can Help TMJ Pains
Chiropractic care is a highly effective, natural treatment for relieving the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Most doctors say that TMJ is untreatable, however chiropractic can help. Chiropractic treatment can not only relieve the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder but can also reduce the frequency of painful flare ups. Stress in your joints and muscles in your neck and even your shoulders can cause TMJ to become worse. Chiropractic treatments can reduce tension in your spine, which can also reduce pressure on various nerves in the area, providing noticeable relief from pain associated with TMJ. Spinal adjustments relax your muscles, relieve tension in your nerves and realign joints around your jaw and neck area. This treatment can reduce pain and discomfort without having to rely on pain medication or other more invasive treatments. Spinal adjustments are most often effective for TMJ disorder if you continue them regularly, even when the pain has subsided.
TMJ Pain-Relieving Chiropractic Care In St Paul
The team at Caron Chiropractic understands how painful and frustrating TMJ disorder can be and how it can impact your day-to-day life. Our goal is to understand any underlying issues and develop an individualized treatment plan that will address the pain and discomfort you are feeling. In addition to offering chiropractic adjustments, we also have massage therapy available and a rehabilitation facility onsite to help our clients recover and reach their health goals. For more information on our chiropractic services, call (651) 255-9999 or email info@caronchiropractic.com.