TMJ (temporomandibular joint)

tmjIf you place your fingers in front of either ear and wiggle your jaw, you’ll feel an opening that changes shape. That is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) where the temporal bone of the skull attaches to your jaw, or mandible.

According to the American Dental Association, nearly 30 percent of Americans have TMJ problems, called TMJ Dysfunction or TMJ Syndrome. Among the symptoms are severe headache; loss of hearing; tinnitus (ringing in the ears); shoulder, cheek, jaw or tooth pain; and nausea and dizziness. TMJ affects more women than men. Among the most common causes of TMJ syndrome are vertebral subluxations, poorly fitting braces, poor dental work and trauma. Even a fall on one’s rear can cause TMJ problems.

One study revealed that a child may fall on its sacrum and in time, through the adaptive body mechanisms, the pelvic imbalance will affect the mandible, head and neck.”

The Chiropractic Approach to TMJ

Spinal problems and TMJ syndrome are often related. In fact, chiropractic care may help you avoid TMJ surgery: “Surgery should not be done until chiropractic and proper dental support is provided…with the exception of a tumor, fracture or serious joint pathology.” In the interest of better patient care, chiropractors and dentists are beginning to work together to ensure jaw/skull/spinal health. Chiropractic should be explored by all TMJ sufferers.

The 10 Symptoms of TMJ Syndrome

Clicking & popping of the joint (TMJ)

Cause: Lack of cartilage at the rear hinge point.

Grinding sounds

Cause: Irregular bone surface at rear hinge point.

Headaches and migraine headache

Cause: Pressure of ball (condyle) of joint pushing on weak bone structure at rear of joint.

Dizziness

Cause: Lack of blood flow to brain when blood vessels are obstructed.

Ringing in the ears

Cause: Pressure on ear canal.

Excessive wear on teeth

Cause: Subconscious effort to eliminate misalignment of jaw joint (TMJ) by changing shape of teeth by grinding.

Severe pain all over head

Cause: Pinching of nerves by ball of jaw hinging at rear of socket (fossa).

Pain in neck

Cause: Unknown, however most TMJ suffers experience it.

Earache

Cause: pressure on ear canal.

If you or someone you know suffers from TMJ call 877-724-4761 to schedule an appointment with Chiro One TODAY!