Imagine being unable to move your jaw, the part of the body that you constantly use to swallow, chew, yawn and talk. Sadly, this is a reality for many people as they suffer the harsh effects of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or TMJ.
TMJ is a condition that affects the hinge joint connecting the jaw to the skull. The joint is covered with 68 pairs of muscles. When the articular disk that separates the jaw bone and the skull is misplaced, this will limit the amount of movement you are able to make.
The more you open and close your mouth, the more it will wear down the tissues of the joint connecting your jaw and skull together. Early intervention by a chiropractor may help to deal with the problem before any permanent damage can occur. A chiropractor can also help to determine how severe your condition may be.
TMJ Causes and Treatments
Some of the reasons why TMJ happens in the first place can include:
- A misalignment of or missing teeth;
- Whiplash; and
- Stress involving teeth clenching and jaw grinding.
After an examination, your chiropractor may recommend one of a number of treatments that may include:
- Chiropractic adjustment;
- Deep tissue therapy;
- Muscle-relieving exercises;
- Stress-relieving therapies;
- Meditation;
- Counselling;or
- Heat or ice packs;
Nobody deserves to suffer the pain of TMJ to the point where it affects the way you eat or speak. By meeting with your chiropractor, they can work with you on a treatment plan that won’t involve medication or surgery, and it could go a long way in helping you return to a comfortable life again.
