For many people, TMJ disorders can be a source of chronic pain and discomfort. Over time, they might become more serious and cause severe debilitating effects on the body. Thankfully, nowadays, there are several ways to cope with TMJ disorders, like seeking an upper cervical doctor. Furthermore, studies have shed light on the many uncertainties of having TMJD. Let's help you get acquainted with these so you can make necessary adjustments and try effective remedies.
Table of Contents
TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a common condition that affects the entire jaw area, neck, and shoulders. It is relatively common, affecting more than half of Americans. And it's a problem for many reasons: it can be painful and make it hard to eat or talk. Additionally, you cannot predict when it might flare up, and you might pass it on to your children in the near future.
The condition affects the upper and lower jaw, as it is located on each side of our jaw, just in front of the ear. The temporomandibular joint consists of an upper and lower hinge joint. They connect to two condylar or "cup"- shaped bones surrounding them. The ligaments that hold these joints together are very strong but can become loose over time due to excessive stress or strain.
The TMJ is connected to other muscles in your face through intercalated discs—a gel-like substance between adjacent vertebrae in your spine. These discs cushion the movement of your vertebral bones when you turn your head or open your mouth to speak or chew.
The TMJ is a highly versatile joint. In fact, some studies consider it as one of the most frequently used joints in our entire bodies. Notably, the TMJ helps you perform the following actions:
TMJ disorders can lead to jaw pain, soreness in the rear of the jaw or mouth, locked or limited movement of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, aching facial pain, and persistent headaches. Suppose you're experiencing symptoms like these after years of TMJ disorder symptoms. In that case, it's vital to seek healthcare interventions as soon as possible. This way, you can determine if you may need to consider surgical intervention to alleviate the pressure on your TMJ.
TMJ disorders can get triggered or aggravated by several factors. Some examples include poor posture, which can result from a whiplash injury. Whiplash injuries commonly occur in car accidents but can also develop from contact sports injuries. In these cases, someone or something might have struck your head and neck, causing the topmost neck bones to shift slightly away from their normal alignment.
Poor posture has been linked to other health problems besides TMJ disorders: it can lead to neck pain and headaches and cause back problems. Additional studies note that TMJ shares links with diabetes and increases the risk of heart disease and other health concerns.
Poor posture isn't just bad for your body and affects your appearance. Suppose you have problems with squinting or frowning while sitting up straight (or worse yet, trying not to). In addition, people who suffer from TMJ issues will likely have higher rates of depression than those who don't have any maladies related to their jaws.
If you suffer from any TMJ pain or disorder, visiting a chiropractor focusing on the topmost neck bones might help. Because upper cervical chiropractic care works on the nervous system, it helps eliminate any pain signals that may be misdirected from your jaw joint. It also helps keep the spine's natural curvature to keep your TMJ appropriately aligned with your jawbones.
If you've tried other sources of TMJ pain relief without success, you might find it helpful to explore upper cervical chiropractic. Several case studies attest to the potential of upper cervical care in helping patients with TMJD eliminate pain and discomfort.
Numerous things can cause TMJD, so if you think you have it, it's essential to find and get help from a medical or healthcare professional as soon as possible. You can find a medical practitioner specializing in TMJD care by searching online. Alternatively, you can try paying a visit to an upper cervical chiropractor.
Chiropractors who focus on the topmost neck bones perform delicate diagnoses of the upper cervical spine to detect postural imbalances. And after understanding the curvature changes in your cervical spine, your chosen chiropractic doctor can provide the adjustments needed.
Each case of TMJD is different, so you need to seek an upper cervical doctor to receive tailored-fit care for your neck bones. It might take a few adjustments to ease the bones back in place and eliminate or reduce your TMJ pain. But, you will notice significant improvements as you gradually release the pressure from the misaligned C1 and C2 bones.
Find out more about upper cervical care and its role in alleviating TMJ pain by connecting with a practice near you.
to schedule a consultation today.
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
