Did you know that more patients have got in touch with doctors, upper cervical chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals for TMJ and ear pain during the pandemic? But how are these two things related? How can the pandemic cause pain and discomfort to non-infected individuals? More importantly, what remedies can people use, and how helpful are these options in providing lasting relief? Let’s investigate in our discussion below.
TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorders affect about 10 million Americans. As the name suggests, it affects the TMJ or the joints attaching your jawbone to the skull. People diagnosed with TMJ pain report various symptoms that tend to appear from time to time. Some examples of TMJ disorder symptoms include:
Not enjoying simple things like eating, talking, smiling, or making funny faces is the norm for anyone diagnosed with TMJ disorders. Unfortunately, many dentists and doctors note that the TMJ symptoms reported by patients have gotten worsen during the last few months. So, what’s the reason behind such a trend?
The American Dental Association explains that it might be due to increased incidence of bruxism or teeth grinding. Psychological studies point out that the uncertainty caused by the pandemic has driven thousands of people to experience significant emotional distress.
Unfortunately, stress, anxiety, and other mental health problems often lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, two factors that can aggravate TMJ and ear pain. To further illustrate the impact of the pandemic on people with TMJ symptoms, here are some quick statistics from different studies:
Undeniably, the pandemic is far from over. If you’re among the millions who feel stressed out because of the COVID-19 virus, here are some ways you can cope:
Additionally, here are some remedies you can try to manage your TMJ and ear pain better:
Studies continue to unravel the root cause of TMJ and ear pain. Many of these studies note that TMJ pain might have something to do with a misalignment along the cervical spine or upper neck. According to some of the findings, cervical subluxation can affect how your upper and lower jawbones align. This puts stress on the temporomandibular joint, triggering the symptoms we listed above.
Additionally, the shifting of your uppermost neck bones can impact central nervous function. The bones can pinch nerve roots and the brainstem, disrupting the natural flow of information to and from the brain. It can also heighten your body’s pain sensitivity, causing worse bouts of TMJ and ear pain.
If you think your TMJ pain stems from a cervical subluxation, you can confirm it by seeing an upper cervical doctor. After you get diagnosed, you can start receiving gentle chiropractic adjustments that can gradually restore the neutral alignment of your upper neck bones. Then, with the underlying cause resolved, you can potentially eliminate your TMJ symptoms.
Case studies from all over the country attest to the promising potential of upper cervical care in providing lasting TMJ pain relief. So if you want to see if it’s an option that can help you live free from pain or discomfort due to an irritated or swollen TMJ, you can call a neck chiropractor near you.
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.