The National Institutes of Health estimate that at least 10 million people suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Convergent Therapies of Gig Harbor and Tacoma, WA, list what you need to know about TMJ.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect your jawbone to the rest of your skull. TMJ is a pain in that area.
What Causes TMJ?
There are many causes of TMJ, ranging from an injury to the jaw, arthritis in the jaw, or part of the jaw going out of alignment. People who grind their teeth in their sleep or who habitually clench their jaws are also prone to getting TMJ. Sometimes TMJ is caused by a problematic dental procedure.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
The main symptom of TMJ is pain in one or both temporomandibular joints. More areas of your face may also become achy. Your ear and area around your ear may feel sore. Eating can be difficult because of the pain. Sometimes TMJ causes your jaw to lock, making it very hard to open or close your mouth. You’ll also hear a click or other strange sound when opening your mouth.
Does TMJ Clear Up on Its Own?
Sometimes TMJ does go away by itself. You should see a TMJ chiropractor if you cannot close your mouth or if the pain is so bad that you cannot eat. Pain or other symptoms that last for weeks or pain that gets progressively worse with each passing day should also be checked out. You’ll also hear a click or other strange sound when opening the mouth.
What Can a TMJ Chiropractor Do to Help?
A chiropractor works to determine the cause of your TMJ so you can get the right treatment. Your spine can be gently adjusted in the C1 and C2 vertebrae as well as your jaw. Chiropractors often show you massage techniques you can do for your jaw, cheekbones, and temples to help ease pain and tenderness.
Let Us Help
There’s no need to suffer the pain of TMJ. If you live in the Gig Harbor or Tacoma, WA, areas, contact Convergent Therapies by emailing [email protected] or by calling (253) 254-5653 to make an appointment today.
