Jaw Pain & TMJ Treatment Preston, Melbourne
Jaw pain is a common and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact a person’s daily life. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp discomfort, jaw pain can make simple activities like eating, speaking, or even yawning challenging.
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a critical component of your jaw that connects the lower jawbone to the temporal bone of the skull, located in front of each ear. This joint functions like a sliding hinge, enabling the movements necessary for talking, chewing, and yawning. The TMJ is a complex joint, involving muscles, ligaments, and cartilage, which allows for the smooth and coordinated motion of the jaw.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or Disorder (TMD) refers to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. Disorders can arise from various factors, including injury to the jaw, arthritis, or chronic teeth grinding (bruxism).
It’s common to hear TMJ and TMD used interchangeably, but there is a distinction between the two. TMJ refers specifically to the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD encompasses the range of disorders that affect this joint. The confusion often arises because people commonly refer to any jaw pain or dysfunction as “TMJ,” when they are actually experiencing TMD.
Causes of Jaw Pain
While TMJ disorder is the most common cause of jaw pain, there are also a number of other factors that may lead to the development of jaw pain conditions.
- TMJ dysfunction arises from issues specifically affecting the TMJ joint. Factors such as stress, teeth grinding, dental work or arthritis can contribute to the development of TMJ.
- Dental issues, such as tooth infections, abscesses, or gum disease, can lead to significant discomfort in the jaw area.
- Sinus infections, particularly in the upper sinuses, may cause referred pain that affects the jaw.
- Jaw injury or trauma can also lead to pain in the jaw joints
Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
The symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can be varied and may differ from person to person depending on the underlying cause and the parts of the jaw that are impacted. Common TMJ symptoms include:
- experiencing pain or tenderness of your jaw
- experiencing pain in one or both of your TMJ
- aching around the ear
- difficulty chewing or swallowing
- face pain
- jaw locking
- clicking or popping sounds
- tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw
- headaches
Treatment for TMJ
Creating a treatment plan for TMJ issues involves careful assessment of the individual’s symptoms to identify the exact cause of the pain or dysfunction.
Chiropractors focus on the alignment and function of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Through gentle adjustments and manipulations, chiropractors can help alleviate the tension and misalignment that often contribute to TMJ symptoms. Your chiropractor may also use soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension and inflammation, as well as specific exercises to improve jaw mobility and strengthen the jaw muscles supporting the joint.
Other treatment options may also include a custom night guard or occlusal splint to reduce teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. Medications such as over the counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants prescribed by a healthcare professional may also be helpful for short term pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during a chiropractic consultation for TMJ treatment?
During a chiropractic consultation for TMJ treatment, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment of your jaw alignment, muscle tension, and overall posture. They may also ask about your medical history and any symptoms you’re experiencing. Based on this evaluation, the chiropractor will develop a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Is chiropractic treatment for TMJ safe?
Yes, chiropractic treatment for TMJ is generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. The techniques used are gentle and non-invasive, designed to promote healing without the need for surgery or medication. However, it’s important to discuss any concerns with your chiropractor to ensure the treatment plan is appropriate for your condition.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need for TMJ relief?
The number of chiropractic sessions required for TMJ relief can vary depending on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients may experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing care for more persistent symptoms. Your chiropractor will provide a tailored treatment plan and timeline based on your individual needs.
Can chiropractic care prevent TMJ symptoms from returning?
Chiropractic care can help prevent the recurrence of TMJ symptoms by addressing the root causes of the disorder, such as joint misalignment and muscle tension. Regular maintenance visits, along with exercises and lifestyle adjustments recommended by your chiropractor, can help maintain proper jaw alignment and reduce the likelihood of symptoms returning.
Address Jaw Pain with Tailored Chiropractic Care
Jaw pain, including issues related to TMJ, can impact your everyday life. At Northside Chiropractic, we offer personalised chiropractic care in Preston, Melbourne aimed at supporting your jaw health and overall wellbeing.
Contact Northside Chiropractic today to schedule your initial consultation.
