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TMJ & JAW PAIN

Chiropractor For TMJ & Jaw Pain in Boca Raton, Florida

The Doctors at Specific Chiropractic may be able to help those suffering from Temporomandibular disorders or TMD (more commonly known as TMJ)

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Your temporomandibular joint is essentially a hinge that connects your jaw bone to the temporal bones of your skull, located in front of each ear. It allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn. Problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control your jaw are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). But you may hear it wrongly called TMJ, after the joint. Dentists believe symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of your jaw or with the parts of the joint itself.

 

 

The Doctors at Specific Chiropractic in Boca Raton, Florida may offer a solution to TMJ Disorders and Jaw Pain. There is research correlating the relationship between muscle tightness in the jaw, upper neck, and shoulders with Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders. We have great success with our non surgical treatment for jaw pain.

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Symptoms of TMD/TMJ may include:​

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  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially when chewing or yawning.

  • Clicking of the jaw when opening your mouth.

  • Facial pains, aches, and soreness.

  • Locking of the temporomandibular joint, resulting in severe pain and inability to open or close your mouth.

  • Pain in or around the ear.

 

TMJ Dysfunction: Definition, Causes, Medical Approach, Related Conditions, and Chiropractic Care

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1. What is TMJ Dysfunction?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction refers to a disorder of the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. The TMJ connects the jawbone to the skull and allows for movements like chewing, talking, and yawning. When the joint or surrounding muscles become irritated or misaligned, it can cause pain and dysfunction.

2. Problems TMJ Dysfunction Can Cause

  • Jaw Pain: Pain in the jaw, face, or around the ears, which may worsen with chewing or talking.

  • Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible sounds when opening or closing the mouth, indicating misalignment or movement issues in the joint.

  • Lockjaw: Inability to open or close the mouth fully, also known as jaw locking.

  • Headaches and Migraines: TMJ issues can lead to tension headaches or migraines due to muscle strain and nerve irritation.

  • Neck and Shoulder Pain: The muscles and nerves in the jaw are connected to the neck and shoulders, so TMJ dysfunction can radiate pain to these areas.

  • Tooth Pain: Misalignment can cause tooth grinding (bruxism), leading to tooth sensitivity and wear.

3. Medical Approach to TMJ Dysfunction

The medical approach to TMJ dysfunction aims to relieve pain and restore proper function:

  • Medications:

    • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) for pain relief and to reduce inflammation.

    • Muscle relaxants to relieve muscle tension and spasms around the TMJ.

    • Tricyclic antidepressants in low doses to reduce pain and bruxism.

  • Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches for the jaw muscles to improve mobility and reduce tension.

  • Dental Splints or Mouthguards: Custom devices to prevent teeth grinding and to align the jaw properly during sleep.

  • Injections: Corticosteroid or Botox injections to reduce pain and inflammation or relax the muscles.

  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions like arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open-joint surgery may be necessary to correct structural issues.

  • Stress Management: Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or biofeedback to manage stress, which can exacerbate TMJ symptoms.

4. Related Conditions from TMJ Dysfunction

If left untreated, TMJ dysfunction can lead to other conditions, including:

  • Chronic Pain: Persistent jaw pain that radiates to the face, neck, and shoulders.

  • Tension Headaches and Migraines: TMJ dysfunction can trigger headaches or worsen existing ones due to muscle tension.

  • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Misalignment or stress related to TMJ issues may lead to nighttime teeth grinding, causing tooth wear and jaw pain.

  • Ear Pain and Tinnitus: TMJ dysfunction can cause referred pain to the ears or ringing (tinnitus) due to its proximity to ear structures.

  • Sleep Disorders: Chronic pain or bruxism associated with TMJ dysfunction can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and poor sleep quality.

  • Facial Asymmetry: In severe cases, prolonged TMJ issues can cause muscle imbalances, leading to noticeable changes in facial structure.

5. How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help with TMJ Dysfunction?

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the alignment of the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2 vertebrae), which may help manage TMJ dysfunction through the following mechanisms:

  • Nervous System Balance: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can affect the nerves that control jaw function. Correcting these misalignments may improve nerve communication and reduce TMJ symptoms.

  • Relieving Muscle Tension: Proper spinal alignment can help relax muscles connected to the jaw and neck, reducing pain and tension associated with TMJ dysfunction.

  • Improving Jaw Alignment: Upper cervical adjustments may help restore balance and alignment in the cervical spine, positively impacting the jaw’s alignment and function.

  • Reducing Inflammation: Chiropractic care can aid the body in managing inflammation, which may alleviate pain and swelling around the TMJ.

  • Holistic Approach: Chiropractors may provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, and stress management techniques to help prevent and reduce TMJ issues.

6. How Can Specific Chiropractic of Boca Raton Help with TMJ Dysfunction?

Specific Chiropractic of Boca Raton, specializing in upper cervical techniques, offers targeted support for individuals experiencing TMJ dysfunction:

  • Precise Diagnostic Tools: Practitioners use advanced imaging (e.g., digital X-rays and thermal scans) to identify specific misalignments in the upper cervical spine that may be contributing to TMJ problems.

  • Gentle, Focused Adjustments: The clinic’s approach emphasizes precise adjustments to the C1 and C2 vertebrae, aiming to reduce nerve interference and muscle tension, which may help alleviate TMJ symptoms.

  • Comprehensive Care Plan: In addition to adjustments, they may offer exercises and advice on jaw and posture alignment, as well as strategies for managing stress and preventing bruxism.

  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-up visits ensure that the cervical spine remains aligned, providing continuous support for jaw function and overall pain relief.

This comprehensive, non-invasive approach can complement conventional medical treatments, offering a natural and supportive solution for managing and alleviating TMJ dysfunction and its related symptoms.

 

Schedule your free consultation with our Chiropractors in Boca Raton by calling 561-571-2468 or fill out the form below and we will reach out to you shortly.

 

 

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