5 Common Signs of a TMJ Disorder

Written by Justin Schallmann

On October 21, 2016
Facial Pain, Headache,Headache Relief,Headaches, Jaw Ache,Jaw Pain, Migraine,Migraine Relief,Migraines,TMJ, TMJ Relief

Facial Pain, Headache,Headache Relief,Headaches, Jaw Ache,Jaw Pain, Migraine,Migraine Relief,Migraines,TMJ, TMJ ReliefYour temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is what connects your lower jaw to the skull.  There are many reasons why a person can experience pain or discomfort in the TMJ, and the pain can be experienced in the joint itself or in the many muscles in the area that control the movements of the face and jaw. Further symptoms include:

  1. Pain or tenderness in the jaw
  2. Earaches
  3. Difficulty chewing
  4. Headaches and neck pain
  5. Clicking, popping, grinding, or locking of the jaw joint

Typical treatments of TMJ problems often begin with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.  Therapies, splints, and surgery (in more severe cases) are also utilized.  In many cases, a TMJ flare up will resolve with these treatments after a few weeks.  However, the problem does end up returning at a later point in time if the underlying cause is not addressed.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and TMJ download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Download our complimentary TMJ e-book

How Are the Jaw and Spine Related?

Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the area of the spine that sits at the junction between the head and neck.  Not only is this area in close proximity to the jaw joint, but it is a complex area of nerves that supply feeling and function to the structures of the face and jaw.  A misalignment of the atlas (C1) or axis (C2) vertebra can create stress on the jaw and abnormal tension of the facial muscles.  This also helps to explain why most people who experience TMJ problems have some degree of neck pain as well.

If you have TMJ issues, having your atlas alignment checked by an upper cervical chiropractor might be the first step in uncovering the root cause of the problem.  This is especially true if you have any history of neck injury.  A gentle atlas adjustment might be all that is necessary to restore normal alignment so that the nerves and muscles that support the jaw can start functioning properly again.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20209408

To schedule a complimentary consultation call 425-437-9974 or just click the button below.

scheduleanappointment (1)

You May Also Like…

NUCCA and Migraine Headaches

NUCCA and Migraine Headaches

Anybody who has suffered a migraine headache can tell how painful and devastating it can be. In most cases, there is nothing much to do to reduce the pain. Luckily, most people have found an effective, safe, drug-free method of treatment for migraine headaches through...

NUCCA and Neck Pain

NUCCA and Neck Pain

One of the most common musculoskeletal problems found among people in the United States is Neck pain, and it is second to lower back pain. According to statistics, approximately 70% of the US population will experience neck pain at one point in their life. Also, more...

NUCCA and Vertigo

NUCCA and Vertigo

Many people are not aware of the connection between neck pain and vertigo. Vertigo is a kind of dizziness in which an individual has the feeling of a rotating movement when stationary. There are several causes attributed to this dizziness which ranges from low blood...

0 Comments

%d bloggers like this: