TMJ Dysfunction

Are you ready to find relief for your jaw pain?
Do you have difficulty chewing or yawning? Do you experience jaw pain? Do you hear clicking noises when you open or close your mouth? If so, you may have TMJ dysfunction. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ dysfunction, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. If there is an injury to this joint or it becomes damaged in any way, TMJ dysfunction may develop. The temporomandibular joint is a complex and important structure composed of bones, tendons, and muscles that may cause you to feel pain on one or both sides of the jaw. This can make it very difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, and chew. If you want to avoid taking pain-relieving medication and use a more holistic approach, chiropractic is perhaps one of the most effective treatments for TMJ dysfunction.

Could you be living with TMJ dysfunction?
Some people respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin. Applying ice packs directly to the jaw joint can also help relieve pain. You may also find temporary relief through sedative essential oils, such as clary sage or lavender. When home remedies don’t work at providing long-term relief, medical intervention may be necessary. Stronger muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage pain.

A jaw specialist may also use a dental splint to keep teeth properly aligned and prevent tooth grinding. Other types of medical treatment include trigger point acupuncture, joint replacement, or a TMJ arthroscopy.

However, if you want to avoid taking pain-relieving medication and use a more holistic approach, chiropractic is perhaps one of the most effective treatments for TMJ dysfunction.

At your initial appointment with Vitality Health Center a comprehensive evaluation will be done on your neck, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine in order to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms. Afterward, the chiropractor will create a treatment plan based on the nature of your symptoms and your specific needs. The chiropractor will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas surrounding your neck and head. The goal of physical therapy is to restore your normal function and the interaction of the jaw muscles and joints. Your treatment plan may consist of any combination of methods and modalities, including jaw exercises, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound.

I think I may have TMJ dysfunction – how can I tell? Symptoms of this TMJ dysfunction include pain in the jaw, jaw popping, headaches, sore jaw muscles, locking of the jaw, pain in the temple, and earaches.

There are many reasons why TMJ dysfunction may develop, but some common causes include misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding, or a jaw injury. There is no single method or surefire way of diagnosing TMJ dysfunction.

If you are dealing with TMJ dysfunction and you are looking to find long-lasting relief, talk with, Dr. John T. Toth, our dedicated chiropractor at Vitality Health Center by calling 651-773-9414.

Vitality Health Center serves patients in White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Gem Lake, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Shoreview, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Pine Springs, Grant and surrounding areas.