What to Know About TMJ Provided by an Imperial, MO Chiropractor
You may not think of a jaw problem as an issue a chiropractor can treat; however, chiropractic care takes into account many different areas of the musculoskeletal system besides your back. Using natural treatments, our chiropractor can relieve your pain associated with TMJ. At Advanced Family Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, serving Imperial, MO and the surrounding area, we offer non-medicated solutions to help with your condition.
About TMJ
TMJ stands for your temporomandibular joint. This is your jaw joint, and it connects your skull and jaw. You have one on each side of your face.
Unfortunately, TMJ disorders could lead to pain and tenderness in your jaw. You might even have pain that extends to your ear. On the other hand, you could have aching facial pain or experience trouble chewing. Sometimes, you'll notice your jaw may lock up, or you'll hear popping noises when you open your mouth too wide.
It's not always possible to pinpoint the reason for discomfort in this joint. Everything from a family history of it to poor habits like teeth grinding and clenching can cause problems in this joint. You could have damage to this joint as a result of arthritis, or maybe your joint moved out of its rightful position.
Diagnosing and Treating TMJ in Imperial
Our chiropractor will inquire about your symptoms and take a look at your jaw. Additionally, our chiropractor will listen to your jaw as it opens and closes and will want to evaluate your range of motion. Further testing may be necessary as well.
Chiropractic Care for TMJ
Chiropractic care for TMJ usually consists of our chiropractor guiding you through exercises that work the muscles in your jaw joints. These stretches slowly work these muscles to enhance your range of motion. This treatment can also reduce stress on these joints.
Our chiropractor can also manually realign the temporomandibular joints, so they're in their proper position. This process is gentle and causes little to no pain. Once completed, you may notice you don't have as much clicking, if any. You'll also have a decrease in the amount of pain you have.
You may receive a referral to your dentist for a mouthguard if you indicate that you grind your teeth.
Part of our treatment may consist of lifestyle advice and at-home tips like applying heat and cold to the area to relieve your pain and discomfort. Our chiropractor can show you massage techniques you can do at home to further enhance your pain relief.
