Chiropractic Treatment for Jaw Problems: Temporomandibular Disorder or TMD

TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is a condition of the chewing muscles and joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull.

The symptoms of TMD are:

  • Difficulty biting or chewing
  • A clicking, popping or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
  • Pain in the jaw or face
  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Reduced ability to open or close the mouth

Cause of TMD:

There are two causes of TMD, structural and functional.

Structural causes of temporomandibular disorder are bone abnormalities and tooth malalignment.  People with these cannot be helped by us alone. They need to see a dentist or surgeon. Fortunately, people with Structural TMD, are in the minority.

Most people suffer from a functional cause of their TMD, such as muscle imbalance or adhesions in the joint itself.  Research has shown the best treatment for this type of TMD is instrument assisted chiropractic adjustments which is one of our specialties at the Innamio Clinic of Chiropractic health. These muscle imbalances and adhesions in the joint that are cause of jaw pain can be easily treated here in our Watertown office.

Treatment and consultation of TMD:

The good news is that this form of jaw pain is treatable.

Our initial exam tells us if the patient can be helped by what we do or if they have to be referred to another professional; in the event the cause of the jaw pain requires structural treatment.

The wholistic approach we take (looking at the entire person) enables us to fix TMD conditions which have not been helped by other doctors.  Many times a patient has a cranial fault, cervical spine problem, or an anatomical short leg as the underlying cause of their TMD; Again these symptoms of jaw pain can all be treated easily in our office.

Come in for an initial consultation and discovery the best and lease invasive treatment option to treat your jaw pain.

 

Here are the leading signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder TMD

Head pain, Headache:

Forehead

Temples

Scalp and hair may be tender

Shooting pains up the back head

Sinus or migraine like pain.

 

Eyes:

Pain behind the eyes

Light sensitivity

Bloodshot eyes

 

Mouth:

Discomfort in the jaw

Limitation on how wide you can open your mouth

Jaw “locks” shut or open

 

Teeth:

Grinding

Soreness and sensitivity

 

Ears:

Ear pain not caused by ear infection

Hearing problems

Dizziness or vertigo

 

Jaw:

A popping or click in the joint of the jaw

Sounds like grating

Check pain or check muscle pain

 

Neck problems:

Mobility issues

Pain or soreness in the neck

Arm or finger numbness or pain

 

Throat:

Trouble swallowing

Sore throat not caused by infection

Sensation of object in throat.