Are you dealing with TMJ pain or TMJ dysfunction? We are TMJ Chiropractors in Columbus, Ohio, providing non-surgical TMJ chiropractic adjustments and services. We use a customized TMJ treatment approach that is focused on root causes.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the adverse effects of abnormal neck or jaw alignment or motion.
The TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, connects the jaw to the skull and is responsible for opening and closing the jaw.
TMJ specialist in Columbus Ohio
The temporomandibular joint consists of several muscles, ligaments, and a disc within the jaw joint that can cause dysfunction.
When people have TMJ dysfunction, they frequently experience symptoms like:
- Jaw pain
- Jaw stiffness
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
- Headaches
- Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Facial pain
TMJ Treatment and Pain Relief Columbus, Ohio
One of the first things our TMJ Chiropractors asses is the proper curvature within the neck. A normal, healthy neck has a gentle C-shaped curve. This is also referred to as a lordotic curve.
Many patients we have treated have been found to have a military neck, which is an abnormal curve in your neck.
If the neck is not aligned correctly, it can cause problems with the jaw’s functioning. The neck and jaw are interconnected, and proper alignment of both plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy jaw and neck.
TMJ chiropractors fix your neck and jaw
When your neck is aligned normally, your jaw fits perfectly into your skull. But when your neck becomes straight (Text Neck), your jaw gets pushed outwards, and the mechanics of opening and closing are abnormal, leading to TMJ.
In addition, when the structures of the neck are misaligned forward, it causes the muscles around the area to respond to the misalignment. This can lead to tension and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and especially the jaw.
Therefore, it is common to have tight muscles around the jaw joint, which include the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles, masseter muscles, and temporalis muscles.
All four of these muscles are innervated by the mandibular nerve, which is a branch of the Trigeminal Nerve. This cranial nerve exits the spinal column around the atlas, or the first bone in the neck, under the skull.
5 Natural Ways Our Jaw Chiropractors Help TMJ Pain
Chiropractors specializing in treating TMJ disorders use various techniques to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve jaw joint function. Here are five ways our TMJ chiropractors can help you:
- Spinal alignment: Chiropractors focus on the alignment and mobility of the spine, including the neck and upper back. Misalignments in these areas can contribute to TMJ pain and dysfunction. By performing spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore proper alignment and function, which can alleviate TMJ symptoms.
- Jaw adjustments: Chiropractors may perform specific adjustments or manipulations directly on the jaw joint. These chiropractic treatments have shown a reduction of temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms. Manual therapy has also been shown to be more cost effective and less prone to side effects than dental treatment.
- Soft tissue therapy: Chiropractors may use various soft tissue techniques, such as massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy, to address muscular imbalances and tension in the jaw, neck, and surrounding areas. By releasing muscle tension and reducing trigger points, these therapies can relieve TMJ pain and improve jaw function.
- Posture correction: Poor posture can contribute to TMJ problems. Especially forward head posture. TMJ Chiropractors can assess and address postural imbalances that may place excessive stress on the jaw joint. They can help improve posture and reduce TMJ-related discomfort through targeted exercises, stretches, and postural adjustments.
- Lifestyle and ergonomic recommendations: Chiropractors often guide lifestyle modifications and ergonomics to support TMJ pain relief. We advise on proper jaw positioning, relaxation techniques, and stress management and recommend TMJ exercises to improve jaw mobility and strengthen surrounding muscles.
TMJ Chiropractor near me
Abundant You Chiropractic offers non-surgical TMJ chiropractic adjustments and services. We adjust the spine to restore the neck’s normal curvature and healthy alignment of the upper cervical region, effectively alleviating TMJ symptoms.
Does seeing a chiropractor help with TMJ? Yes! The TMJ joint can be realigned without surgery or jaw-breaking by using a chiropractic adjustment tool or manual therapy.
Please book a free consultation with our team today to determine if a TMJ chiropractor can help you.