A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who will diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders through manual adjustment/manipulation of the spine. Most chiropractors will try to reduce pain and help improve functionality, as well as teach you more about your health.
A good chiropractor can help you with many issues, such as the dizziness chiropractor in Thornbury in case you have issues with dizziness. There are a number of issues you can seek help for, including TMJ (temporomandibular joint). Here is what you need to know.
What is TMJ?
This is a joint that functions as the sliding hinge that is connecting the jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on both sides of the jaw. The TMJ disorder is a type of temporomandibular disorder that will cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles in charge of controlling the movement of the jaw.
The exact cause of this disorder is usually difficult to determine. The pain could be the result of many factors, such as arthritis, genetics, or even jaw injury. People who have jaw pain also tend to grind their teeth or bleach their jaw, although this does not mean that you will definitely develop the TMJ disorder.
Usually, the discomfort and pain that is associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with self-care. Surgery is often not necessary, but it is the last resort that might be needed in some extreme cases.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
- Tenderness and pain of the jaw
- Pain in one or both side of the joints.
- Aching pain around and in your ear.
- Aching pain on your face.
- Difficulty or pain while chewing.
- Locking of the joint, which will make it difficult to close and open your mouth.
Sometimes, TMJ could cause a grating sensation or a clicking sound when you open your mouth to chew. However, if you are not experiencing any limitation of movement or pain associated with the clicking of the jaw, then there is no reason to go through a treatment for TMJ.
What are the risks?
- There are some factors that could increase the risk of developing this disorder. They include:
- Injury to the jaw.
- Different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Certain connective tissue diseases that can cause issues and affect the temporomandibular joint.
- Long-term clenching and grinding of teeth.
How can a chiropractor help?
A lot of people wonder whether a chiropractor can actually help with TMJ, and the answer is yes. Not only can a chiropractor help with TMJ, they can help ease the pain and they will do some soft tissue work that will help loosen the jaw muscles.
When you visit a chiropractor, they will usually focus on the three main key muscles, which are the pterygoid, temporalis, and masseter. They will also pay attention to the suboccipital muscles. However, first you will have a consultation with the chiropractor, explaining your issues in depth and talking about the options and treatment plan.
Your chiropractor will perform the adjustment of the jaw and that will relieve the tension. By releasing the muscles that are surrounding the jaw the chiropractor is able to correct TMJ and thus your jaw should be able to function normally again. However, if the main issue does not lie with the jaw, this will not help you. You can also visit a doctor and talk to them about the procedure and what you can expect.
A consultation is important
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, it might be time to visit a chiropractor. The first step is to schedule a consultation. During the consultation your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and tell you what the next step would be. You can check out the TMJ chiropractor if you are interested.
If you are unsure about chiropractic care or you just do not know enough about it, you should talk to your doctor. You can go in just for a consultation, where your chiropractor will examine you and ask you about the issues you are experiencing. In most cases, chiropractic care can help you deal with TMJ, but it is still important to visit a reputable chiropractor. So do your research!
Final word
Chiropractic care can do wonders for our body, and the same applies to TMJ. If you are experiencing discomfort or a weird sensation followed by pain in the jaw, you should definitely visit your chiropractor or at least a doctor. Chiropractic care has shown a lot of positive outcomes when treating TMJ.
You may be interested in: Is Chiropractic Care Effective for Pain Relief?