This past weekend I had the pleasure of completing a continuing education course on all things jaw pain! The temporomandibular joint, otherwise known as the TMJ, is one of the most continuously used joints in the body. Think about it, it’s used while swallowing that first sip of coffee in the morning, eating your favourite meal and talking while catching up with friends.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) include a group of conditions that affect the chewing muscles, the TMJ and its surrounding structures. TMD can present as pain, abnormal sounds (ex. clicking), limited jaw movement and joint/muscle tenderness. You may also experience headaches, ear pain and postural changes.
How can a chiropractor help with jaw pain?
· Soft tissue release, both externally and inside the mouth
· Mobilizations (joint gapping) and/or adjustments
· Rehab exercises
· Lifestyle modifications
· Acupuncture
There is also research to show that by treating the neck, we can affect the TMJ. This is good news for people who may be in too much immediate pain to have their jaw worked on or if you’re not crazy about having someone’s hand inside your mouth!
Please let me know if you have any questions about the TMJ or how I could help!
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