Tampa Bay Health Center

How Can Chiropractic Help the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?Chiropractic care for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can ease pain by correcting the misalignment between the spine and nervous system. Chiropractic can be effective at reducing the pain associated with TMJ, either when used alone or as a complement to other treatments. This is because, rather than change the diet or modify the teeth, it relaxes the muscles, adjusts the joint and uses specific trigger points to accurately re-position the jaw. When done successfully, this will not only relieve pain in the short run (as would medications or eating soft foods), but it will help prevent TMJ pain from returning.

Chiropractic treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) focuses on relieving tension in the muscles around the joints themselves—working both outside and inside the mouth, using massage and trigger point therapy. A trigger point is a very sensitive area made of muscle fibers. Trigger points feel like knots and may cause pain or even a twitching response when pressure is applied to them. A chiropractor can manipulate trigger points in such a way to alleviate the pain associated with them.

Trigger points common to TMJ include:

Trapezius muscle, located at the base of the neck. Manipulating this trigger point can influence the areas behind the ear, at the temple and at the jaw bone.
Sternocleidomastoid muscle, located along the neck from the collarbone to the ear. This trigger point can be used to relieve pain in the forehead, front of the jaw and around the eye socket.
Masseter muscle, located at the back of the jaw. This refers to pain in the upper jaw, ear and above the eye.
Medial Pterygoid muscle, located behind the molars on the jaw. This trigger point influences pain in the TMJ, as well as in the ear, nose, lower jaw, and the neck.
Adjustments to the joints can also be done by hand, using a technique that causes a tiny stretch inside the joint to release any fibrous attachments made by the body due to previous trauma. The chiropractor may also give the patient home exercises to help strengthen the joint and loosen the tight muscles.

In some cases, misalignment of the jaw that results from improper posture or a back problem can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. An approach to treating TMJ caused by misalignment in the neck and upper back is to perform chiropractic adjustments on the spinal joint in these areas. In addition, a chiropractor may use massage to relieve tight muscles in the back around the spine. This reduces the amount of stress put on the jaw so that other treatments to adjust the jaw will be more effective.

When these treatments are employed, motion of the jaw joint can improve and symptoms such as ear pain, jaw locking, headaches, and neck pain can be reduced.

Why use Chiropractic for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
While there are numerous ways to effectively treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, scientific studies have shown that chiropractic was helpful in cases of TMJ. In a 2003 study, 15 participants were administered treatments with the Activator Method, which uses a tool that delivers high-frequency, low-impact adjustments. All participants showed improvements in the distance they could open their jaws and in pain measurements. Although this group was not compared to a group receiving traditional treatment, it shows that chiropractic treatments like the Activator Method show promise as an emerging treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Many report relief and satisfaction with chiropractic care for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. In a survey of 192 members of a health maintenance organization published in 2003, nearly two-thirds reported using some form of complementary medicine to treat TMJ. Almost everyone surveyed used complementary approaches together with other traditional treatments, and the greatest satisfaction was reported for the hands-on alternative therapies, including chiropractic.
Chiropractic may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatment approaches. Medications can include anti-inflammatories, analgesics (pain killers) and muscle relaxants, as well as local injections of corticosteroids in severe cases. Application of hot and cold compresses also reduces inflammation. When teeth grinding or clenching is an issue, wearing a mouth night guard can help prevent these actions during sleep. Bite plates can help correct misalignment. Stress reduction, relaxation techniques, jaw-stretching exercises, and modifying chewing habits are all behavioral approaches that are proven effective.

References
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2003 Sep;26(7):421-5.
Journal of Orofacial Pain. 2003 Summer;17(3):224-36.

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. This is the joint that attaches your lower jaw to your skull. The TMJ allows for you to open and close your jaw, along with all other jaw movements. A problem with the joint and joint area is commonly referred to as TMJ Dysfunction.

TMJ Dysfunction (TMJ or TMD) is commonly known as the “Great Imposter.” It is a condition made up of many signs and symptoms, some of which mimic other medical conditions. Each individual suffering from TMJ Dysfunction is different, therefore the dysfunction can and does manifest itself in a variety of ways.

Common Causes of TMJ:

Improper Bite
Stress
Direct Trauma
Overuse
Clenching or Grinding
Cervical Spine Dysfunction

Common Symptoms of TMJ:

Frequent Headaches
Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain and Back Pain
Jaw Pain and Tenderness
Dull, Achy Pain or Numbness and Tingling in the Face, Ears, Sinuses, Eyes or Teeth.
Clicking and Popping in the Jaw Joints
Jaw Locking
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing

An Estimated 10 Million Americans Suffer From TMJ Dysfunction.
You Don’t Have to Live With the Pain and Suffering of TMJ Dysfunction. If you suffer from TMJ, Headache, Neck Pain or Facial Pain, We Can Help. Schedule a Consultation Today and Put an End To Your Pain!