Of the many areas of the body that Chicago chiropractors are able to help, most people are surprised to learn that the jaw is on the list. It’s easy to associate back pain and neck pain with chiropractic treatment, but people who suffer from TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder in Chicago can also find relief.

What Is TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder refers to conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. This joint connects your jaw to your skull. The muscles and ligaments that connect to this area are very powerful and are used constantly throughout the day. When you are talking, eating, chewing gum, yawning, drinking, etc… This area of your body is very important in everyday functions.

Some common symptoms of TMJ include pain in your jaw, cheek, teeth or front of the ear when you chew or yawn, clicking noises in the jaw, an inability to open your mouth wide or having your jaw lock when you are able to open it. Some patients experience headaches, hearing issues, dizziness or earaches as part of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder has a long list of potential causes that your Sauganash chiropractor will explore when you book your appointment. Some of the known causes of TMJ may include jaw trauma or dislocation, physical or emotional stress, even sitting in a dentist’s chair for long periods of time with your mouth wide open. The emotional stress doesn’t end up causing TMJ on its own, but if you tend to clench your teeth as a result, this may end up causing it. Statistics show that women are four times as likely to suffer from TMJ as men.

One of the most common findings we see with people who suffer from TMJ issues are changes in the alignment of the neck bones or loss of the normal curvature in the neck, which creates postural changes that effects the TMJ joint.

Can Chiropractic Help TMJ?

Once your chiropractor confirms that you do have TMJ, you’ll be given a treatment plan based on the specifics of your situation. Our team at Bourdage Chiropractic will get to the cause of your problem, so every angle is explored before a thorough plan is created. Usually, a treatment plan for TMJ will include chiropractic adjustments, special exercises and possibly muscle work to the area involved.

If you have any of the symptoms of TMJ, schedule a consultation with a chiropractor as soon as possible. It’s also important that you follow any advice or recommendations given during that consultation and subsequent appointments. Every exercise and treatment is designed to remove the underlying cause of the problem and restore your jaw function back to normal.

At Bourdage Chiropractic in Chicago our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.