Anyone who has struggled with TMJ disorder knows how frustrating it can be. It presents in so many ways and can feel like there is no clear-cut solution for treatment. The key to finding the best way to treat your possible TMJ pain is to learn more about the cause.
What is TMJD?
TMJ Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is characterized by pain and dysfunction of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This disorder can arise from a variety of circumstances.
Common Causes and Symptoms
One of the most common causes of TMJD is stress. Stress can create a vicious cycle when it comes to chronic jaw pain. It is increasingly common for people to come home from work, tired and stressed out. They go to bed grinding their teeth and wake up with a headache. Learning to manage stress levels is an invaluable tool when it comes to controlling TMJ pain.
Other factors contributing to TMJD include overuse of facial muscles, poor posture, insufficient dental care and injuries such as whiplash. TMJD can also lead to other symptoms such as clicking or popping sounds when chewing, local and referred pain from the joint site, ringing in the ears (Tinnitus) and even dizziness.
Chiropractic and Massage Therapy for TMJ Disorder
Since TMJ Disorder is characterized by pain and dysfunction of the joints and surrounding muscles of the jaw, it makes sense to address those structures with both chiropractic and massage therapy.
Chiropractic care can help correct a compressed or misaligned joint, and in many cases, a misaligned vertebra in the neck can significantly contribute to TMJ pain.
Additionally, massage therapy can address the soft tissue surrounding the joint. It is common for the two main jaw muscles (Temporalis and Masseter) to become overworked and taut because of grinding or clenching. When muscles get strained they tend to develop trigger points that can result in referred pain to nearby structures. In the case of the TMJ, pain can present as a headache or even feel like a toothache.
By utilizing a combination of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy to address both the joint and the soft tissue involved in TMJ disorders it is possible to relieve many of its symptoms. For more information about Massage and TMJ Disorder CLICK HERE.
If you believe you are suffering from TMJ pain and need a great 1-2 combo with chiropractic and massage look no further. At Express Chiropractic of Frisco, we serve Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, The Colony and other surrounding areas. You never need an appointment and our prices are lower than most typical co-pays. Check out Express Chiropractic of Frisco today!