TMJ Treatment:
The mandible (jaw) attach to the skull with a Temporomandibular joint is a hinge joint and are
surrounded by 68 pairs of muscles immediately in front of the ear on each side of the head. They allow
chew, yawn, speak, and swallow are in constant use. This joint is one of the most frequently used in the
body. You can locate it by placing a finger in your ear and push forward while opening and closing your
mouth. The articular disk separates the condyle head of the mandible and the skull. When this disk is
misplaced, it will cause Temporalmandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). Studies show about 35% of the
American population has TMJ disorders.
A common symptom could be having a limited range of motion within the joint. If you have TMJ
dysfunction, every time you open and close your mouth you put wear on the tissues of the joint. This
can cause severe problems if not treated properly, therefore it recommended that you seek a
chiropractor for TMJ treatment options. You can test the range of mobility in your jaw by holding your
palm vertically with your thumb facing the ceiling. Flex your index finger so it is out of the way. Open
your mouth as wide as you can without strain or pain and place the three remaining fingers (middle,
ring, and pinky) between your upper and lower teeth. I should have prefaced this by reminding you to
wash your hands first. If you cannot fit all three fingers and you experience pain, it is possible you have
TMJ. Do not be worried if only two or maybe four fingers fit. If there is no pain and it does not affect
how or what you eat then, the diagnosis is probably negative.
Commonly, TMJ accompanied by noises such as clicking, grinding, or crunching when you open and close
your mouth. The articular disk fitted so that the condyle head of the mandible can slide smoothly up and
down. The clicking noise will occur when the condyle head is not in the proper fitted position and passes
over the ridge of the disk. As the bone, passes over the ridge it will cause a click or pop that can lock the
jaw in either the open or closed position and usually requires a manual adjustment to dislodge it back
into normal working order. The grinding or crunching noises occur when there is bone on bone contact
within the joint. If articular disk was completely out of place or has worn through the jawbone will move
on hinge, mandible direct contact with the skull. These could be caused by arthritis wearing away the
cartilage of the bones. If you experience noises when you move your jaw consult a chiropractor to help
determine the severity.
TMJ disorders have various causes. Misaligned, missing teeth can force the bone out of its proper
position. Trauma from a fall or car crash (Auto Accident) can do the same thing. Whiplash is a very
common cause of TMJ. Many times, stress results in a grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. This
can over strain the muscles and cause serious pain. That pain can flow throughout your face, neck, and
head causing various symptoms and discomfort. Similar to a kidney infection, that may cause vomiting,
diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or a bladder infection; TMJ may appear as various symptoms
(headaches and earaches) that would not normally be considered in conjunction with it. Consult your
chiropractor an examination of these symptoms.
You may ask, “Why have you recommended a chiropractor to correct a problem with my mouth?” The
answer is simple; your chiropractor trained to correct ailments, due to bone misalignments, by
examining all aspects of your lifestyle. The first step is a complete medical exam including your medical
and family history, as well as, life style habits and daily routines. He/She will perform x-rays that can
locate a condyle head that incorrectly positioned. A posture evaluation performed as well as palpation
test to determine the severity of the disorder and the amount of mobility.
Your chiropractor will also create a TMJ treatment plan that excludes surgery and medication. An intraoral orthotic, or splint, can be fitted into the upper or lower jaw, and is designed to reposition the
condyle head back into its normal position. If your TMJ related to stress, several muscle-relieving
exercises or stress-relieving therapies diagnosed. Some of these therapies would include biofeedback,
meditation, counseling, or massage. Treatments such as heat, ice, electric stimulation, and ultrasound
used when needed. The emphasis is on rehabilitation and return of motion through individually tailored
programs.