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TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) Pain Relief in Newcastle
Can Chiropractic help with TMJ Pain
TMJ pain refers to discomfort or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint—the vital structure that connects your jawbone to your skull. Acting like a sliding hinge, this joint allows for essential jaw movements such as opening and closing your mouth, and shifting the jaw forward, backward, and side to side. It’s supported by a network of muscles, ligaments, and nerves that work together to help you speak, chew, and yawn. However, when the joint becomes misaligned or strained, it can lead to TMJ dysfunction—resulting in symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, earaches, neck pain and restricted jaw movement.
At Family Life Chiropractic, we take a holistic approach to TMJ pain. Chiropractic care can help relieve TMJ symptoms by gently addressing misalignments in the jaw and cervical spine, improving joint function, and reducing muscle tension. Through tailored techniques and soft tissue work, we aim to restore balance to the jaw area and provide lasting relief. If you’re experiencing TMJ discomfort, our experienced team can assess the underlying cause and work with you to develop a personalised care plan to support healing and improve quality of life.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common conditions that affect an estimated 5-12% of the population at some point in their lives. The symptoms of TMD can vary significantly, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that impacts daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. Individuals may experience a range of symptoms with TMJ pain, including:
- Jaw Pain: Discomfort or pain in the jaw, particularly near the TMJ.
- Headaches: Tension-type headaches or migraines associated with jaw strain.
- Facial Pain: Pain in the face, particularly around the cheeks and temples.
- Restricted Jaw Movement: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises in the jaw joint during movement.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain: Pain may radiate to the neck and shoulders.
Joint Dysfunction: Misalignment or structural issues within the TMJ can lead to joint dysfunction, resulting in pain and restricted movement. This may stem from congenital factors, previous injuries, or the cumulative effects of other contributing factors. Joint dysfunction can disrupt the normal mechanics of the TMJ, causing further complications.
Common Causes of TMJ
Understanding the various factors that can lead to the development of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Several interrelated elements can contribute to the dysfunction of the TMJ, each influencing the overall health of this crucial joint:
Trauma: Injuries to the jaw or head, whether from a fall, sports accident, or direct impact, can disrupt the normal functioning of the TMJ. Such trauma may result in misalignment, inflammation, or damage to the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint, leading to pain and restricted movement.
Stress: Increased stress levels can significantly impact muscle tension throughout the body, including in the jaw. This heightened tension can lead to bruxism—an involuntary habit of grinding or clenching teeth—often occurring during sleep or periods of stress. Over time, these habits can exacerbate discomfort and contribute to the development of TMD.
Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ by causing inflammation and degeneration of the joint structures. Arthritis can lead to changes in the cartilage and bone within the joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Commonly associated with stress and anxiety, bruxism involves the repetitive grinding and clenching of teeth, often during sleep. This constant pressure can place significant strain on the TMJ, leading to muscle fatigue, soreness, and joint dysfunction. Regular clenching and grinding of your teeth—commonly known as bruxism—can lead to significant wear and damage. Seeking the help of an experienced Newcastle dentist can assist in diagnosing bruxism and providing a custom-made night splint to protect your teeth while you sleep
Chiropractic Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
Chiropractic care offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to managing Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). At Family Life Chiropractic, we are committed to helping you find relief from TMJ pain and dysfunction through personalised treatment that focus on the underlying causes. By addressing misalignments in the jaw and spine, reducing muscular tension, and restoring proper joint function, our goal is to relieve discomfort, enhance mobility, and support long-term jaw health.
Comprehensive Assessment
Our process begins with a thorough assessment of your symptoms and an evaluation of your jaw, neck, and spine. This comprehensive examination allows us to identify any misalignments or dysfunctions that may be contributing to your TMJ issues. We also consider other factors such as your posture, movement patterns, and stress levels. Our treatment techniques include the following approaches;
Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments focus on restoring proper alignment to the spine and jaw. Misalignments in the cervical spine or jaw can create tension and dysfunction in the TMJ. Gentle adjustments can alleviate pressure on the surrounding nerves and muscles, promoting better function and reducing pain.
TMJ Mobilisation: Specific techniques target the TMJ to enhance its range of motion and reduce stiffness. Mobilization involves gentle, controlled movements to help improve joint function and alleviate pain, encouraging more symmetrical jaw movements.
Soft Tissue Therapy: We may incorporate soft tissue techniques to relax tense muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. This therapy addresses muscle knots and tension that can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, providing relief from pain and discomfort.
Posture and Ergonomics: Educating patients on proper posture and ergonomics is crucial for long-term management of TMD. We provide guidance on maintaining good posture, especially during activities that may strain the jaw, such as prolonged computer use or phone conversations.
Stress Management Techniques: Since stress can contribute significantly to TMJ disorders, we may recommend stress reduction strategies, including relaxation exercises and lifestyle modifications, to help you manage tension and reduce bruxism (teeth grinding).
Prevention and Management of TMJ Disorders
Understanding the various factors that can lead to the development of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Several interrelated elements can contribute to the dysfunction of the TMJ, each influencing the overall health of this crucial joint:
Trauma: Injuries to the jaw or head, whether from a fall, sports accident, or direct impact, can disrupt the normal functioning of the TMJ. Such trauma may result in misalignment, inflammation, or damage to the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint, leading to pain and restricted movement.
Stress: Increased stress levels can significantly impact muscle tension throughout the body, including in the jaw. This heightened tension can lead to bruxism—an involuntary habit of grinding or clenching teeth—often occurring during sleep or periods of stress. Over time, these habits can exacerbate discomfort and contribute to the development of TMD.
Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ by causing inflammation and degeneration of the joint structures. Arthritis can lead to changes in the cartilage and bone within the joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Commonly associated with stress and anxiety, bruxism involves the repetitive grinding and clenching of teeth, often during sleep. This constant pressure can place significant strain on the TMJ, leading to muscle fatigue, soreness, and joint dysfunction.
