TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. It is the joint that attaches your jawbone to your skull. It functions as a dual-action joint, opening and closing like a hinge while also sliding from side to side. This makes the jaw very versatile but also leaves it open to problems. TMJ disorders occur when anything affects the regular opening and closing of the jaw.
Sometimes, it can be as simple as an overtired or overused jaw. At other times, TMJ pain can become chronic, and finding the underlying cause may seem beyond reach. What can you do if you are in this frustrating situation? Here are a few things that you need to know about TMJ disorders.
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Depending on the underlying cause and severity of your TMJ disorder, you can experience a number of different symptoms. Here are some of the more common issues that are associated with TMD.
TMD has a few primary causes. If you are experiencing jaw pain that is beyond just overuse, then it probably relates to one of these three factors.
There are some additional factors that may play a role in TMJ problems such as stress and grinding of the teeth, which may occur at night as a result of the aforementioned stress.
You may be more likely to suffer from TMD if you have some of the following risk factors.
If you think the condition is temporary, due to stress, or simply due to overuse of the jaw, then you may be able to control the pain at home. Here are a few tips.
Another way to get natural relief for jaw pain is to see an upper cervical chiropractor. It is a specific form of chiropractic that involves precise and gentle adjustments of only the top two bones in the neck. Such corrections can be beneficial for the surrounding structures like the jaw, ears, and facial nerves because the surrounding soft tissue shifts to balance the head when even the slightest misalignment occurs in this part of the body.
If you are suffering from TMJ pain, especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma, it makes sense to see an upper cervical chiropractor. An examination will reveal if a misalignment exists and correcting this underlying issue may provide you with the long-term relief that you have been searching for. Schedule a no-obligation consultation with a practitioner in your area today to find out if this is the best natural alternative for your jaw pain.
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.