If you are dealing with this chronic TMJ pain, we’d like to share a story with you that you may be able to commiserate with. We will call the patient Amanda. Amanda was a young woman dealing with TMJ pain and many other symptoms. But before we get to that, it is important to note that Amanda really tried the self-care options available to her such as ice, heat, eating soft foods, and resting her jaw from singing (a favorite hobby of hers). Being in her late 20s, she would regularly have thoughts such as, “I’m too young to have a chronic health problem.” Can you relate to Amanda’s health concerns?

TMJ Dysfunction – More than Just Jaw Pain

Of course, if you suffer from a TMJ disorder, then you know that Amanda was dealing with more than just jaw pain. While a number of symptoms are possible, here are some of the more common issues that arise:

• Radiating pain – TMJ pain is not just in the jaw. Pain may radiate up toward and around the ear as well as down into the neck. Since the trigeminal nerve is near the TMJ, pain in various parts of the face can occur.
• Limited range of motion – It can be tough to chew or speak in your usual way because you may not be able to open your mouth completely. Conversely, the joint may lock in an open position and make closing the mouth difficult.
• Popping, clicking, or grinding sounds – The jaw may make noise when being extended.
• Tinnitus – Ringing in the ears may accompany ear pain.
• Dizziness – Some TMJ dysfunction patients experience difficulty with balance.
• Vision issues

Amanda was experiencing many of these symptoms, especially pain in her neck and shoulders as well as face pain. How could she find the underlying cause of her TMJ problem? She had been involved in a car accident some years earlier, but after the swelling from the whiplash went down, she was given a clean bill of health. However, since that was the only major injury she had ever experienced, Amanda began to wonder if she was still dealing with complications. It was about this time that she discovered upper cervical chiropractic care.

What Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic?

While doing research on TMJ problems, Amanda found the blog of a local upper cervical chiropractor. The article claimed that they had helped 100s of people with jaw pain and other TMJ issues. She wanted freedom from her chronic pain, but failed to do so. Since there was a no-obligation consultation, Amanda decided to make this her last resort. What was it like?

On the first visit, the office staff requested a complete patient history. Amanda was glad that she mentioned her car accident because the doctor discussed it with her and felt that, given her neck pain accompanying the jaw pain, this very well could have been the start of the problem.

Since there was a basis to proceed, the doctor performed a physical examination. Her right shoulder was slightly higher than the left when standing straight. The right hipped was dropped a little, and the right leg was slightly shorter than the left. At this point, the doctor recommended x-rays to search for the misalignment. The x-rays concluded the first visit.

On her second visit, Amanda discovered that the doctor had spent quite some time measuring the exact position and degree of her atlas (C1) misalignment and had developed a custom adjustment for her. Since it did not involved popping or twisting of the spine, she noted feeling a little less pain and a little more energy.

Amanda wasn’t ready to get her hopes up yet, so she gave the adjustment a few days to work and follow the doctor’s advice of things to do to help her atlas alignment to hold. It surprised her how much better she felt, and the improvements continued over time.

TMJ Pain Relief Is Within Reach

Does this just sound like a nice story to you? We’re happy to say that it has been the actual experience of many patients who have sought upper cervical chiropractic care after growing frustrated with other forms of medicine. Upper cervical chiropractic is safe and gentle, so you don’t have to worry about something making matters worse (which is often the case with medication side effects, for example). Plus, you can always change your mind after the consultation if you decide it isn’t for you. However, most patients proceed because there are really no risks and so much to gain based on the previous experience of many other patients.

If you are suffering from TMJ pain on a chronic basis and nothing seems to be working for you, this is the time to give upper cervical chiropractic a try. You may find that this was the natural solution you have been searching for all along. From relieving pain that is related to an atlas misalignment to providing optimal central nervous system function and improving energy levels, patients have found that upper cervical chiropractic is beneficial in so many different ways!  

Start on your journey toward better health today. Use the search feature on this website to find one of our preferred upper cervical practitioners. You may be one-click away from getting help for your chronic pain.

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