Can a Chiropractor Fix TMJ?

TMJ or Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction, also known as TMJ syndrome, is a complex medical condition related to the teeth, the mandible, and all nerves, ligaments, muscles, tendons, connective tissue, and skull bones surrounding the mouth. TMJ syndrome problems vary but jaw pain, headaches, pain in the face, chewing problems, clicking, inability to open or close the mouth are generally present in TMJ patients. The mandible can even dislocate if a person who suffers TMJ person opens the mouth too much.

Since TMJ is a syndrome treatment options are aimed at the symptoms and not the cause (unknown). Generally, treatments will try to address TMJ symptoms such as pain. Analgesics are often prescribed. But, this is a short term solution.

Some long term options are available to treat TMJ. Oral appliances are often prescribed to treat TMJ. Oral appliances are aimed at treating bruxism. Bruxism is defined as the clenching of the jaw. Bruxism can influence of TMJ symptoms. Surgery is also an option (surgery of the jaw joint or disc replacements) but as with any surgery there are risk associated with the surgical procedures.

Chiropractic care can help TMJ patients. The holistic approach to human health of chiropractics care is great to treat TMJ symptoms. Based on the study of each patient a chiropractor may treat body alignment and posture. This may help relieve pain in TMJ patient. Also, the chiropractor can prescribe specific exercises aimed at relieving the tension of the skull, tendons, and nerves of the mouth that will definitely help in reducing pain and inflammation of the area, and thus, will help fix the TMJ problem.

TMJ is a complex issue. Traditional treatments include use of analgesics to relieve pain, non dental corrective oral appliances, and surgery. However, a chiropractor can help with patients TMJ patients. Specific exercises of the mouth, neck, and back of the patient could help relieve TMJ symptoms. Spine manipulation may help correct spine issues that may be the cause of TMJ.

Always ask for medical advice before trying new treatment for TMJ or any other health issue

Sources:

Souza, T. A. (2008). Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor. Bartlett Publishers