Can a Chiropractor Fix TMJ?

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or TMJ Syndrome) is a complex condition that involves problems related to the teeth, the mandible, and all connecting and neurological tissue (nerves, ligaments, muscle, tendons, connective tissue, skull bones) surrounding them.

TMJ symptoms vary according to the case but often they include jaw pain, earache, headache, aching pain in the face, dullness in the face, chewing difficulties, clicking when opening or closing the mouth, inability to open or close the mouth properly, and tenderness of the jaw. In extreme cases, the mandible can dislocate if the person opens their mouth too much.

What are TMJ Treatment Options?

As with any health problem, treatment of TMJ will depend on the particular condition of the patient (treatment options need to be tailored to the specifics of that person). Usually, treatments will try to alleviate symptoms (for example, pain is treated with analgesics). However, these do not always work and normally they provide only temporary relief.
For more of a long term approach, there are some options to treat TMJ. Sometimes, a particular oral appliance can be very helpful. There is a condition associated with TMJ called bruxism (grinding and clenching of the jaw, usually during sleep, although it is possible during the day). Bruxism is a condition that will definitely exacerbate TMJ. In this case, an oral appliance (a flat non-repositionable oral appliance) will help control bruxism and thus TMJ.
Surgery is also available to treat TMJ (jaw joint or disc replacements with implants or surgical jaw repositioning). However, these are always considered as treatments of last resort.

Can a Chiropractor Fix TMJ?

Chiropractic care has a holistic approach to human health. It aims at treating the causes (and not just the symptoms) of the diseases and to treat the human body as a whole. In fact, holism is one of the guiding principles of this discipline as well as rationalism and naturalism.

Based on a complete study of each particular case of TMJ, a chiropractor may be able to help the patient. For example, treating defects in the spine may help treat TMJ or having the patient do specific exercises to relax the jaw may be the answer. If the chiropractor is able to help, results can be seen immediately or a few sessions may be needed.
So to the question: Can a chiropractor fix TMJ? The answer could be "yes", but it will depend on the particular case, the specifics of the patient history, and the experience of the chiropractor.

Sources:
TMJ disorders and orofacial pain. By Axel Bumann, Ulrich Lotzmann, James Mah. In "Color atlas of dental medicine". James Mah editor. Thieme, 2002. ISBN 1588901114

Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor. By Thomas A. Souza. Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2008. ISBN 0763752827