Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, or TMD, is a dysfunction of the jaw joint, and a problem often treated with chiropractic care. Signs of TMD can include:
- Pain that radiates along the jaw, into the face, neck or shoulders.
- A jaw that has limited movement or locks when you try to chew.
- Grinding noises when opening and closing the jaw.
- Changes in how the upper and lower jaw meet.
- Problems swallowing, ear pain, dizziness and headaches.
While the pain associated with TMD can be a temporary problem, it is possible to develop chronic joint dysfunction when TMD is left untreated. Whether your TMD is caused by myofascial pain, arthritis, or a dislocated jaw, a chiropractor will treat your TMD with a combination of manipulation techniques, ice packs, heat therapy, ultrasound and massage. The goal is to get the muscles around the jaw to relax, and allow the jaw to align properly. Tight muscles in the jaw cause TMD to worsen.
Causes of TMD
There are a number of causes of TMD, and they include arthritic conditions, injury to the jaw, and chronic stress of the jaw muscles. Both physical and emotional stress can lead to TMD, and this is because many people will clench their jaw and teeth together when they are stressed. Particularly in people who grind their teeth at night, jaw pain can become significant from stress.
Overuse of the jaw is another cause of TMD, and when you have jaw pain, it's important to ice the area to relax the muscles around the joint. Chewing gum can cause TMD from overuse, and if you are prone to jaw clicking or jaw pain, it's important to stay away from chewing gum.
Opening the mouth too wide for extended periods of time can cause damage to the jaw, as when you sit in a dentist's chair getting treatment. Today, most dentists understand that prolonged dental work with the patient sitting with their mouth wide open, causes jaw pain. Dentists have developed new ways to treat patients, allowing for breaks in between to give the jaw a rest.
If you believe that you are suffering from symptoms of TMD and you want relief, consider calling a chiropractor in the area to discuss your symptoms. A chiropractor (such as one from Reinecke Chiropractor) will assess your jaw, and check for misalignment. They may realign your jaw and offer hot or cold therapies. There is no reason to suffer from the pain associated with TMD, when chiropractic care can resolve the problem.
