Chirpractors Can Address These TMJ Symptoms

If your jaw hurts frequently, you might have TMJ. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint syndrome, is a disorder of the jaw and surrounding muscles.

If you think you have TMJ or if you've been diagnosed with the condition, a chiropractor can help you. These are some of the symptoms a chiropractor can address. 

Stiffness in the Jaw

TMJ often leads to stiffness in the jaw. It can be hard to open and close your mouth, or you may experience a "clicking" sound when you move your jaw. Chiropractors can ensure alignment issues are not contributing to this problem.

Headaches

Many people with TMJ report chronic headaches. This could be due to the strain on the muscles around the jaw, which causes pain in other parts of the head like the temples. Chiropractors treat headaches, including those caused by migraines.

Painful Chewing

TMJ makes chewing difficult and painful, as the jaw muscles are strained from TMJ. It can also cause a feeling of pressure in the teeth when you're eating. Your chiropractor will check your alignment and look for tense areas that might be adding to the problem.

Bruxism

TMJ can lead to bruxism, which is a condition where you grind or clench your teeth at night. This can cause more pain in the jaw and may even damage your teeth over time. Chiropractors address this issue by looking for ways to relax the jaw. This might include releasing tension from areas of the body or reducing stress with lifestyle changes.

Earaches

Earaches can also be a symptom of TMJ. This is because the jaw and ear are connected, so any pain or tension in the jaw will cause pain in the ears as well. Jaw and spine adjustments may reduce earaches. Chiropractors will also make helpful dietary recommendations.

Dizziness

Tension in the jaw can cause pressure on certain nerves, leading to dizzy spells. If you become dizzy often, treating TMJ is crucial so you can continue with your daily routine.

Shoulder Pain

The jaw muscles are connected to the neck and shoulders, so pain in these areas can be a symptom of TMJ. It's important to seek chiropractic care if this is happening, and a chiropractor can provide treatment modalities that treat shoulder pain in addition to TMJ.

Talk to a Chiropractor

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it's worth talking about with a chiropractor. Together, you can address symptoms causing discomfort and difficulty with daily life. Chiropractors will focus not only on addressing the symptoms but also on getting to the root of your jaw issues.


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