Chiropractic Care and TMJ
Having had TMJ problems himself, one of Dr. Segal's special interests is helping patients with Temporomandibular Joint(TMJ) pain and and dysfunction. Problems and symptoms associated with the TMJ and the muscles around it are known as Temporomandibular Disorders, or TMD. Chiropractic manipulation of your neck and manipulation or mobilization of the jaw may help improve jaw alignment and function of the TMJ. Along with this, massage or myofascial release of the tight jaw and neck muscles by a trained therapist can be one of the most effective treatments for TMD. Dr Segal will also recommend special exercises, hot and cold treatment and other non-pharmaceutical interventions. Dr. Segal might team up with your dentist to help provide you with the best care to get you the best results.
If you’re suffering from TMD, call us today so we can help ease your jaw pain, jaw clicking, or other symptoms.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Up to 10 million people suffer from painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Symptoms include pain in the face and neck, locked jaw or limited jaw movement, painful clicking when moving the mouth, dizziness, difficulty chewing or swallowing and a change in the way the teeth fit together. TMD is about four times more common in women than men.
Causes
TMD has many causes, some physical, some emotional. A jaw injury, such as one caused by a car accident or being hit hard by a ball, can lead to TMD. Degenerative joint disease is another leading physical cause of TMD.
Emotional stress can cause behaviors that lead to TMD, such as clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth.
Conventional Non-Chiropractic Medical Treatment
You can try to manage TMD through prescription medications or lifestyle interventions. Your medical doctor may recommend muscle relaxants or prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. Certain types of antidepressants may also be recommended by medical doctors to relieve pain. If you clench your teeth at night, aggravating your TMD pain, your doctor might prescribe a sedative. These medications bring along a variety of side effects.
If stress and anxiety are a contributing factor to your TMD, relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, biofeedback, talking to a counselor might help.
In extreme cases, some doctors recommend surgery to repair this joint.