There you are, the sound of Rice Krispies as you chew on your food…The only problem is that you aren’t eating Rice Krispies! If you have pain in your jaw, particularly as you clench, you may be experiencing TMJ syndrome. Let’s take a look at the development of this condition.
Understanding TMJ Disorders:
Our TMJ is really a fairly complex joint. The TMJ is unique in that there is one on both sides of the face and you must move both of them simultaneously. There are other joints in the body which function this same way however the TMJ has a much larger range of motion compared to these other joints; this tremendous amount of movement is what sets the TMJ up for potential problems.
Those experiencing TMJ syndrome may experience:
1. Jaw Pain: Constant or periodic
2. Clicking or Popping Sounds: Sometimes clicking and popping is no big deal, but sometimes is indicative of a greater problem.
3. Limited Jaw Movement: Stiffing and a limited range of motion upon opening of the mouth.
4. Facial Pain: Pain into the face, and very commonly, ear pain.
5. Headaches: The muscles which move the TMJ are very powerful muscles. They can develop trigger points, thus promoting tension headaches.
Chiropractic Care for TMJ Disorders:
1. Spinal Adjustments: Proper movement of both the TMJ and the joints of the cervical spine are important in preventing and treating TMJ syndrome.
2. Myofascial release: By targeting the trigger points within the muscles surrounding the TMJ, tension is released thereby easing the strain on the TMJ. These trigger points commonly develop from clenching whether during sleep or as a result of stress at work.
3. Posture Correction: Our jaws are “loose” hanging bones off of the skull; One could grab hold of the jaw and move it back and forth. Your overall neck and back posture affect the position and ultimately the movement of this joint; poor posture promotes the development of TMJ pain.
4. Sleeping position: The position of our heads as we sleep impact the position of our jaws. The wrong positions promote clenching as we sleep which promotes the development of TMJ syndrome.
Conclusion:
TMJ syndrome is a common condition that many people experience. It can be mildly annoying to highly debilitating. The great part is that chiropractic care can help alleviate if not entirely eliminate your pain. If you or a loved one is experiencing TMJ problems, please give our office a call!
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