Pain in the jaw often relates to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and is frequently diagnosed as TMJ dysfunction. The TMJ is a hinge-like joint that is essential for many daily activities. This joint facilitates jaw movements by coordinating muscles and absorbing pressure and stress. Dysfunction at the TMJ can cause symptoms such as popping, clicking, limited jaw motion, and pain around the ears, neck, shoulders, and face. Individuals with this issue can experience significant disruption in eating, sleeping, and even talking. For most people, symptoms fluctuate, making it difficult to identify the root causes.
TMJ dysfunction is relatively common, affecting 5-12% of people at any given time. Generally, women ages 20 to 40 are more at risk. Unfortunately, only around 5% of those affected will seek treatment. Pain in the jaw is influenced by teeth grinding, arthritis, stress, and structural issues with the jaw or spine.
Many people who suffer from TMJ dysfunction do not know where to turn. Too many people turn to over-the-counter medications or other therapies that do not solve the root cause of the issue. Visiting a chiropractor is an excellent choice for those seeking a natural approach to addressing the root cause of jaw pain.
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How Our Care Plan Works
1. Relief
Finding the root cause of your problem is the fastest and most effective way to get relief and see lasting results. We all know that swallowing hand fulls of pills is not the answer. True relief comes from the removal of the cause of your problem.
2. Corrective
In order to keep your symptoms from returning and to make sure we can get you to optimal health, a plan of correction must be laid out and executed. Corrective care ensures that you not only feel your best but have a plan to be your best as well.
3. Wellness
The only way to coast is downhill. Once we reach our corrective goals we don’t want to stop there. We ultimately want to have the habits in place to keep us at our best. A wellness plan ensures that we are actively working to achieve our life long health goals.
How We Treat TMJ Pain In Rochester Hills, MI
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
At Delta Chiropractic, we know that no two patients with TMJ pain are the same. The first step in this process is the comprehensive consultation. This includes an overview of symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. It is essential to know how long symptoms have been present, any injuries, and contributing factors. All of that information helps the chiropractor conduct the physical exam. This includes a different range of motion testing, orthopedic testing, and joint-specific assessments.
Digital X-rays
Chiropractic X-rays are essential for providing each patient with individualized care. An X-ray will reveal the position of the bone and any abnormalities in the joint or joint spaces. Analysis of the X-ray can help rule out conditions and identify subtle misalignments in the spine. In a controlled setting, the risk from radiation is very low. The benefits of an accurate diagnosis outweigh it.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Rochester, MI
The goal of the chiropractic adjustment is to correct the subluxation. This term is used to identify the vertebrae that have lost their proper position or motion to the extent that they impinge the nerve. The subluxation can lead to various symptoms, including but not limited to pain, pinching, numbness, tingling, burning, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and others. A chiropractic adjustment helps relieve pressure on the nerve, allowing the body to heal naturally. This approach is superior to medical methods because it not only relieves symptoms but also corrects the underlying causes in the spine and TMJ.
Soft Tissue Work
Patients with neck pain often have tight muscles around the Jaw, including the masseter and pterygoid muscles. Tight muscles are a protective mechanism secondary to a subluxation. To alleviate this symptom, a chiropractor will use manual therapy techniques, often accompanied by pain creams that help relax the muscles.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
When correcting the spine, it is essential to incorporate exercises that help build stability. This not only reduces pain faster but also decreases the risk of future flare-ups. Your chiropractor will provide you with specific exercises tailored to your spine, lifestyle, and exercise goals.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction in Rochester Hills, MI
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is the most common symptom of TMJ dysfunction. Finding out exactly where this pain is coming from is the first step in fixing the issue. Pain in this area can be referred pain from the spine, irritation to the TMJ, or trigger points in the surrounding muscles. It is important to understand the frequency of this pain and if this pain is associated with any other pain.
Jaw Popping or Clicking
Jaw popping or clicking is frequent with those with TMJ dysfunction. It is essential to note that popping or clicking is not always associated with pain, but it may become an issue. In the TMJ, there is an articular disc. This cartilage disc cushions the joint and is supposed to maintain proper movement. The clicking is often an abnormal movement associated with this disc, which can be corrected through treatment.
Lockjaw
Jaw locking can occur in severe cases of TMJ dysfunction. The two types are a closed lock and an open lock, based on which motion is restricted. A chiropractor can guide you through jaw stretches and adjust the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to relieve this symptom.
Jaw Clenching
Jaw clenching is a common habit for those with jaw pain. Habitual jaw clenching can lead to unnecessary pain and stress in the jaw area. This is often subconscious and a natural response to jaw misalignment. When there is instability, muscles will contract to create stability. Aligning the jaw is a significant step in addressing this issue.
Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom associated with TMJ dysfunction. Jaw pain and headaches are frequently related to the upper cervical spine and the nerves in that area.
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1136 S Rochester Rd Suite B, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chiropractic in Rochester, Michigan, help with TMJ?
Yes, chiropractic has been shown to be a safe and effective solution for TMJ.
How do you permanently fix TMJ?
Like any condition, a permanent fix starts with identifying the root cause. Addressing the cause of an issue will not only relieve the symptom but also prevent it from recurring.
Can chiropractors crack jaws?
Some cases of jaw pain can be helped with adjusting the jaw. The adjustment is force applied to the joint in a specific way to align the joint. This can come with audible cracking at the temporomandibular joint, similar to other joints.
Can you fix TMJ without surgery?
Yes, most cases of TMJ will not ever need surgery. A chiropractor is a great place to start for those seeking to solve their jaw pain without surgery.
Is TMJ a medical or dental problem?
In some cases, TMJ can be a medical or dental issue. The research suggests that using conservative care like chiropractic in non-emergent situations is the best first step to addressing TMJ.
$99 New Patient Special
New patient special includes Consultation, Exam, X-Rays & Doctors report of findings