Can a Chiropractor Help TMJ?
By Randi Morse
You may immediately think of seeking out chiropractic care when you have a backache, or when you're dealing with neck pain or a headache. But did you know that chiropractic care can often help people suffering from TMJ as well?
TMJ
The abbreviation TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ is used to describe a wide array of conditions, as long as the conditions cause issues with the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is the part of your jaw that connects to the rest of the skull. It's what allows us to talk and chew and generally open our mouths. The type and amount of pain that people have with TMJ varies. Some people find it mildly annoying while others have so much pain that they have a difficult time even talking.
TMJ Treatments
If you visit your physician about TMJ there are a few treatment options that may help alleviate your pain. NSAIDs, the abbreviation for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are always the first treatment option and for good reason. The NSAIDs will reduce the swelling and help to lessen the amount of pain you're in. Unfortunately, this treatment option is best for short-term treatment; it's not a long-term cure. In order to cure the condition, you first need to figure out what caused it.
TMJ Causes
Some get TMJ because they are grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws. Anti-anxiety medication can help put a stop to the grinding, if it's being caused by anxiety or stress, but doesn't necessarily relieve the pain or cure the condition. Some physicians prescribe a night guard to stop you from grinding your teeth in your sleep, and often people will find their physicians and dentists recommending braces or other oral appliances to realign the jaw.
TMJ and Chiropractor
Chiropractors can work on TMJ and may be able to help cure it completely with the right exercises and the right adjusting. Your chiropractor may begin your treatment by using ice to bring the swelling down, but a long-term treatment plan will likely include chiropractic adjustments to help get everything aligned correctly. You may also receive exercises that your chiropractor would like you to do at home.
With proper care and treatment, it is very likely that your chiropractor will be able to help you with your TMJ pain. If you have been struggling with TMJ, having a consultation with a chiropractor is a smart option, especially if your chiropractor can save you from needing braces.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Reno, Nev.