Jaw pain and Chiropractic care

When it comes to chiropractic care, a majority of individuals will correctly associate it with neck and low back pain. But many are often surprised to learn that jaw pain can also be addressed and possibly treated by a chiropractor. If it is determined that an individual’s jaw pain is stemming from TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder, chiropractic care may be a source of relief! This is because chiropractors focus on identifying improper joint movements and correcting them, which can diminish feelings of pain and swelling, and improve an individual’s ability to speak and eat.

So what exactly is TMJ? Temporomandibular joint disorder often refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. This joint is the “hinge” that connects the jaw to the skull and allows an individual to open their mouth to speak or eat. Because this location and the great deal of movement it goes through on a given day, it stands to reason that the surrounding muscles, ligaments, as well as the joint itself may lead to problems that cause an individual pain and discomfort. Pain is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders and can occur along the jaw, cheek, teeth, or in front of your ear when you chew, speak, or yawn. Clicking noises in the jaw, inability to open the mouth wide, or feeling the jaw “lock” when opened, are also common symptoms of TMJ disorders. Some individuals also experience headaches, hearing issues, dizziness, or earaches, but these are less common.

TMJ disorders have a myriad of potential causes that range from serious jaw trauma or dislocation to physical or emotional stress. Sometimes people may experience symptoms after long dental appointments, specifically after longer procedures that require their mouth to remain open for a significant amount of time. Current research suggests that the most common cause of TMJ disorders is often emotional stress which leads to unintentional clenching of the jaw. Women are also 4 times as likely to suffer from TMJ as men.

Once it has been determined that you are indeed suffering from a TMJ disorder, your chiropractor will determine and individualized treatment plan to fit your specific needs. Treatment plans will include chiropractic adjustments to the jaw, special exercises to help strengthen and stretch the muscles of the jaw, as well ice or heat to help with pain management. Used all together during the initial and subsequent appointments, these treatments will help remove the underlying cause of the problem and restore the proper movement and function to the temporomandibular joint itself. If it is determined that the jaw pain is not correctable through chiropractic care or an underlying issue is suspected, it is recommended that the individual seek care from their primary care physician or dentist to ensure the correct treatment is provided.

If you or someone you know is curious about their jaw pain and if chiropractic care is beneficial, please give us a call at Cape Coral Family Chiropractic. We would love to help in any way possible!