Every time you open your mouth to speak or chew, your jaw relies on the temporomandibular joint to move. Located next to the ear where the jaw meets the cheekbone, this joint can sometimes become inflamed or difficult to move, creating a variety of oral health issues and chronic pain. Known as TMJ, this condition may clear up without treatment, but others may require professional care from a dentist or chiropractor for pain relief. If you believe you have this condition, here’s what you should know about TMJ.

Simple Guide to TMJ

How Do I Know If I Have TMJ?

Facial pain is the most common indicator of TMJ. Specifically, pay attention to aches around the upper jaw and ear. While the sensation can come and go, it often flares up when you open your mouth to chew, speak, or yawn. You might also notice that your jaw is physically difficult to open. In some cases, this movement will produce a clicking sound.

What Causes TMJ?

There are many reasons that people develop TMJ. Facial injury, for instance, may damage the joint or dislocate it. Others may experience symptoms as a result of poor dental alignment. Arthritis, constant stress, and teeth grinding are also known to contribute to tension and inflammation of the joint.

How Do Chiropractors Help With TMJ Pain Relief?

In severe cases, jaw surgery may be needed to treat TMJ. However, in most instances, individuals can see a chiropractor for non-invasive pain relief treatment.

As doctors that specialize in the care of joints and muscle tissues, chiropractors can pinpoint areas of tension throughout the body. Through what’s known as an adjustment, these specialists can carefully manipulate joints—such as those in the spine and jaw—that are contributing to TMJ-related tension.

By gentling guiding joints into their proper position, chiropractors can take the pressure off of nerves responsible for TMJ pain. Spinal adjustment can also help relieve physical joint and muscle tension, which may contribute to TMJ-causing stress.

If you’re suffering from physical discomfort—including TMJ or lower back pain—turn to the caring team at Back to Health Chiropractic. Serving the Florence, KY, community, these chiropractors are known for taking time with every patient to review symptoms and accurately identify causes. Through a personalized treatment plan—such as those that involve adjustments and restorative exercises—these specialists improve your chances for long-lasting pain relief.  For more details on these services, as well as how you can save on your first visit, check out this practice online. To schedule a consultation, call (859) 746-2222.