The Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull.  This joint along with its muscles are notorious for developing problems and causing symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking/popping of the jaw, ear pain and headaches.  Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, known as TMJD, can be caused by misalignments of the TMJ and/or adhesions in the soft tissues.  These misalignments and restrictions as often caused by clenching/grinding your teeth, poor posture and/or traumatic injuries such as auto accidents.  Here are some things to consider if you are experiencing jaw pain.

Dietary Concerns

The general rule is to eat softer foods and take smaller bites if you have TMJD.  You should avoid chewing gum and eating ice, nuts or hard candy.  Try to stick to softer meat options like chicken or fish.

Correct Posture

Keeping perfect posture is essential not only to your spine, but also to your jaw.  When our head is tilted down, like when we are looking at your cell phone, it causes the jaw to shift forward out of its optimal position.

Sleeping Position

The preferred method is to sleep on your back.  Sleeping on your stomach or side can cause additional pressure to your jaw.

TMJD is something that we have had great results with in our office by doing these three things.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Adjusting the TMJ helps to restore proper motion back into the joint.  We use a special adjusting tool that applies a very light force to the TMJ to accomplish this.  We also check the cervical spine because many times there is a connection with TMJD and the neck.  Adjustments to the cervical spine can help relieve tight muscles in the neck causing misalignment in the TMJ.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release techniques help us break up adhesions and restrictions in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. These restrictions can cause imbalances resulting in clicking/popping and eventually jaw pain.

Rehabilitation Exercises

It is important for the jaw to track correctly and the only way for it to do this is for there not to be imbalances between the muscles moving the jaw.  We accomplish this through strengthening the weak muscles and lengthening the tight muscles.  We work with our patients on specific exercises that they can do at home to assist in the rehabilitation of their TMJD. If you have been dealing with TMJD or have any additional questions please feel free to call us at 316-425-1911.