Have you ever heard the term TMJ but had no idea what it meant? We’re here to help! Several of our upper cervical chiropractors specialize in addressing TMJ disorders, which affect millions of people worldwide.

Here are several things that you need to know related to TMJ disorders:

#1. TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint.

The term TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. The TMJ is the hinge joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. It's also known as a synovial joint, which means that it has a disc and two bones moving against each other when it moves. When this happens repetitively (as in chewing), it can cause wear and tear on the joints, leading to pain and dysfunction.

The TMJ is one of the five most frequently injured joints in the head and neck area, according to Dr. John Gartland, an ear, nose, and throat doctor at Harvard Medical School who studies TMJ disorders in children and adults.

#2. TMJ disorders cause pain and dysfunction.

TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).They can cause pain, dysfunction, and changes to both your facial features and bite.

#3. Many people suffer from TMD, but not everyone knows they have it.

You may have TMJ without knowing it; in fact, many people suffer from TMD without realizing it, and some don't even realize their symptoms are related to their jaw or face. The "pain in the jaw" is frequently misdiagnosed as a migraine or tension headache and can be confused with other dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.

Because TMJ is a silent disorder, many sufferers go years before receiving help for their actual discomfort until symptoms become severe enough to warrant medical attention. It's more than just a “clenchy” jaw here and there; it's about looking for signs that something more serious could be at play, such as:

• pain when opening your mouth wide
• difficulty chewing food on one side of your mouth
• clicking sounds when moving your jaw from side to side (or up/down)
• pain behind one ear or under one eye

These are all symptoms that warrant an evaluation by a trained professional who specializes in treating disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

#4. TMJ disorders are not life-threatening on their own.

Although TMJ disorders are not life-threatening on their own, it is important to address the underlying cause of these issues. If you neglect to deal with the root of the problem, you will only worsen your condition. Many people don't realize that TMJ disorders can disappear, and if addressed timely and properly, they can prevent malnutrition, weakened immune system, and chronic pain.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or have been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder by a dentist or doctor, then you might also want to try consulting an upper cervical chiropractor today! An upper cervical chiropractor will be able to assess the problem areas and properly diagnose any underlying causes of your symptoms to let you begin treatment or care plan right away!

#5. Surgery is not your only hope if diagnosed with a TMJ disorder.

It’s true that surgery is an option, but it should be considered a last resort. There are other effective care options that can help you with your TMJ disorder without having to undergo the risks associated with surgery.

#6. Chiropractic care can help address TMJ disorders.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a safe and non-invasive care option that can help patients with TMJ disorders. Upper cervical chiropractors focus on restoring the proper alignment of your spine, which in turn reduces stress on the muscles of your jaw. By alleviating tension and increasing range of motion, Upper Cervical Chiropractic can relieve pain caused by TMJ disorders and restore function to your jaw joint.

Avoiding TMJ Disorders

The best way you can prevent yourself from developing TMDs is by:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily if possible (this will go a long way towards keeping away plaque buildups).
• Paying attention while eating so that food doesn't get caught between your teeth which could lead down roads toward infection if left unchecked over time. It's also recommended that you avoid hard foods like steak unless cut into smaller pieces first. 

Get regular spinal maintenance routine check-ups to ensure the correct alignment of your spine and all organs around and connected to it.

Let a Credible Upper Cervical Chiropractor Help You!

Generally, an upper cervical chiropractor will first evaluate your condition and determine whether or not you have a TMJ disorder. If you do, they will work to identify any contributing factors as well as decrease pain and inflammation in order to restore normal function in the jaw joint while addressing any contributing factors such as stress or nutritional deficiencies. From there, they can start working on improving your range of motion and function so that you regain control over eating and biting habits again!

There is an easy way to learn more about TMJ disorders, Upper Cervical Chiropractic care as a non-invasive treatment option for your health concern, and how you can get started on this path today – visit the Upper Cervical Awareness page. For easy access to a vast collection of credible chiropractors in the United States, check out the UCA Doctors Directory, available from the Upper Cervical Awareness site as well.

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