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Do you have pain in your jaw that seems to come and go? Many people suffer from this type of pain, which is known as TMJ disorder. Unfortunately, the exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis, or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders. If you are one of the many people who suffer from TMJ disorder, don't worry – chiropractic treatment can help!
While the exact cause of TMJ disorders is often difficult to determine, there are a number of potential contributing factors, including genetics, arthritis, and jaw injury. Additionally, some people who experience jaw pain may also habitually clench or grind their teeth (known as bruxism). However, it's important to note that many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.
There are a variety of potential treatments for TMJ disorders, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, simple self-care measures, such as eating softer foods or applying ice to the jaw, may be sufficient. For more severe cases, however, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. This may include medications, physical therapy, splints, or surgery.
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Locked Jaw and TMJ
If you have a locked jaw, it may be difficult to open your mouth wide. You may also experience pain in your jaw, face, neck, or ears. Your teeth may feel sore, and you may have headaches. The TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, and it can be easily injured due to bruxism (teeth grinding), arthritis, or genetics. If you have TMJ disorder, you may hear a clicking noise when you move your jaw. You may also feel pain when you chew. If you have TMJ disorder, your symptoms may come and go, or they may be constant.
10 TMJ Causes
The most common cause of TMJ is clenching or grinding your teeth. This can be caused by stress, which leads to tightness in the jaw muscles. Other causes include:
- Arthritis
- Dislocation of the Temporomandibular joint
- Injury to the jaw, head, or neck
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Stress
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Smoking
- Chewing gum
- Eating hard foods
- Misaligned teeth
Treatment Options
While the exact cause of TMJ is often difficult to determine, it is important to seek treatment if you are experiencing pain. Treatment options will vary depending on the cause of your TMJ, but may include:
- Resting your jaw
- Eating softer foods
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Applying heat or ice to the painful area
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Using mouth guards or splints at night
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Surgery (in severe cases)
Chiropractic treatment for TMJ and locked jaw
TMJ disorders can be painful and debilitating, but there is hope for relief. Chiropractic treatment for TMJ disorders usually involves a combination of manipulative therapy and rehabilitative exercises. Manipulative therapy includes techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation. Rehabilitative exercises are designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the jaw. In some cases, your chiropractor may also recommend splints or other devices to help support the jaw and prevent further damage. TMJ disorders can be painful and debilitating, but there is hope for relief. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option for many people suffering from TMJ pain. If you're looking for an alternative to traditional medical treatment, schedule an appointment with us today. You may be surprised at how much this type of care can help improve your overall quality of life. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us we are here always to help.
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