TMJ: What Is It and How Can a Chiropractor Help?

TMJ, also known as Temporal Mandibular Joint disorder, is a complex musculoskeletal condition that affects the jaw area. It involves the mandible and the teeth as well as the surrounding ligaments, nerves and connective tissue. TMJ also affects the 68 pairs of muscles that control the jaw and the joint associated with it.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMJ disorder affects around 35 million Americans. Women experience TMJ syndrome as much as four times more frequently than men, and stress is often a factor in its onset.

Symptoms of TMJ

Those afflicted by TMJ can suffer a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Jaw Pain
• Chronic Headaches
• Earaches
• Issues With Chewing
• Clicking and Grinding of the Jaw
• Difficulty Opening or Closing the Mouth

TMJ results when the joint located between the mandibular area (jaw) and the temporal area (temple) and related bones become misaligned. The articular disc that normally allows for smooth gliding of the jaw joint no longer functions properly. This can cause a clicking noise when the condyle (head) of the mandible rubs against the edge of the disk as well as stiffness and discomfort.

The Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ can have a number of specific causes. The most common of these include:
 

• An injury to the jaw area
• Emotional stress
• Clenching the jaw during sleep
• Chewing gum or tobacco excessively
• Extensive dental work

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be extremely helpful in cases of TMJ dysfunction, with a nearly 100% success rate in bringing at least some improvement to TMJ symptoms in clinical studies.  
   
The precise methods of treatment for TMJ used by your Santa Barbara chiropractor Advanced Chiropractic Group will vary depending on the severity and symptoms that are presented. However, the treatment will usually be based upon gentle hands-on manipulation of the articular disc back as well as the mandible to their normal position for immediate relief.

Contact Our Santa Barbara Chiropractor to Addresses TMJ Pain

For more lasting, long-term relief, your Santa Barbara chiropractor Advanced Chiropractic Group can do adjustments to the neck and spine as needed to treat the root of the problem. This is because TMJ often has a misalignment of the vertebrae and resultant imbalance in the neck or jaw muscles at its core. As the cervical (upper) spine is treated, the symptoms of TMJ often resolve at a deep level.

 If you’re seeking pain relief from TMJ, back pain, neck pain or related issues, contact Advanced Chiropractic Group. We are your home for TMJ treatment and relief through quality Santa Barbara chiropractic care and rehabilitation.