Chiropractic and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The discomfort in the joints and muscles of the jaw may be momentary to some individuals; nevertheless, others may have unceasing warning signs.

Indications of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

• pain branching out in the neck, face and shoulders


• restricted motion in the jaw or pressing in the jaw points


• arduous jarring or clicking when closing and opening the mouth


• earaches, lightheadedness, headaches, ingestion difficulties and hearing problems


• changes in the fitting of the upper and lower teeth

Classification of TMJ disorder

• Myofascial tenderness is the inflammation of the muscles of the jaw, neck and shoulders


• Dislodged jaw or dislocated disc


• Debilitating joint syndrome such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes of TMD

• Emotional pressure or tension can drive some people to tighten their teeth when undergoing emotional stress.


• Physical strain can also cause temporomandibular joint disorder. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is more frequent with women than men are. This is attributed to factors such as sitting for long hours, wearing of high heels that affect their posture.


• Other serious damages like being punched or hit in the jaw, habitual chewing on just one side of the mouth and too much gum chewing can also cause TMJ disorder.

Evaluating TMJ Disorder

Chiropractors evaluate this affliction by asking the patient to do the following:

• place his three fingers inside his mouth and to bite on them


• to open and close his mouth


• to chew continually, as the chiropractor examines the joint dimensions of his jaw and the stability of his jaw muscles


• If he did not see any problem when you were asked to do the above things, there is a probability that it is not TMJ disorder. Hence, an MRI scan will have to be performed to verify the prognosis.

Chiropractic Management for TMJ Disorder

Chiropractic manipulation may be performed as well as the use of ice and heat therapy, massage and definite exercises.

He will also advise you to do the following:

• the proper technique of using heat and ice to assuage the pain


• keep away from joint motions such as munching an apple, meat, etc.


• how to carry out definite TMD exercises

He may also request a dentist or orthodontist for co-management if needed. There are instances where dental management or surgery is required if TMJ disorder did not respond well with the above treatments.

Visit theminneapolischiropractors.com to know of the advantages of chiropractic. This site offers you information on the truth about chiropractic and the proper way to choose a chiropractor.