TMJ (Jaw): Temperomandibular Joint Disorder/Dysfun

Can a Chiropractor Help with TMJ (Jaw) Disorder and Lockjaw?

If you experience pain while chewing, yawning, or using your jaws, or if you have soreness in front of the ear, in the muscle, cheek, teeth, or temples, and if your jaws make loud noises that bother you or others, you might be dealing with a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. TMD is common and can be quite painful and debilitating. Many people are unsure of what to do when they have jaw pain.

TMJ disorder falls into three categories:

  • Myofascial pain - discomfort or pain in the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders;
  • A dislocated jaw or displaced disc;
  • Degenerative joint disease - rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the joint.

Every time you open your mouth, yawn, chew, swallow, or speak, the two temporomandibular joints (TMJs, one on each side) come into play. If these joints' movements are not synchronized, you can experience classic TMJ symptoms such as jaw pain, popping, teeth grinding at night, and difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth. This can also lead to headaches, neck pain, ringing in the ears, vertigo and dizziness.

Severe jaw injuries, like those from sporting activities, as well as overuse syndromes such as excessive gum chewing, or having one's mouth open for too long during a dental procedure can lead to TMJ disorder. Additionally, issues like infections or impacted teeth can cause misalignment of the jaw. Stress, both physical and emotional, can be a significant factor too. People under psychological stress may clench their teeth, which can contribute to TMJ disorder.

Click here for video "33 Hidden Sources of TMJ Dysfunction"

Because the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is highly adaptable, the primary objective of treatment, regardless of its nature, isn't necessarily to "fix" the issue but rather to enhance the TMJ's ability to adapt. For most individuals, discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles or joints is temporary. However, some individuals may develop chronic symptoms.

Chiropractic Care of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder 

In Dr. Pisarek's 47-plus years of chiropractic practice, he has come across hundreds of patients with TMJ issues that he has resolved to patients satisfaction!

Chiropractors specialize in addressing imbalances in the spine and muscles that can directly or indirectly affect the health and function of the TMJ. In certain situations, collaborative treatment with a dentist might be necessary, while in others, it may not be required. When it comes to managing TMJ symptoms, chiropractic care is an effective and non-invasive approach that often not only brings significant relief but also promotes the patient's recovery.

Click here for video "TMJ Disorder Painless Chiropractic Correction"

To help diagnose or rule out TMJ disorder, Dr. Pisarek may ask you to put three fingers in your mouth and bite down on them. You may also be asked to open and close your mouth and chew repeatedly while your chiropractor monitors the dimensions of the jaw joint and the balance of the muscles. If you have no problem doing these things, then it is probably not TMD. Sometimes an x-ray or MRI is needed to confirm diagnosis.

If you have TMD, Dr. Pisarek may recommend chiropractic manipulation, massage, applying heat/ice and special exercises. If Dr. Pisarek feels you need special appliances, he or she will refer you to a dentist or orthodontist for co-management. In addition to treatment, Dr. Pisarek can teach you how to:

  • Apply heat and ice to lessen the pain
  • Avoid harmful joint movements. (chomping on an apple or hard candy, etc.).
  • Perform TMD-specific stretches and exercises.

It's true that chiropractors can address a wide range of joint-related issues, and this includes problems with the jaw. Dr. Pisarek, being an experienced chiropractor, understands the intricate connection between bone and muscle in the jaw area. Rest assured, he always begins with a thorough examination to determine whether surgical or medicinal interventions are necessary. If they aren't, he will devise a non-invasive treatment plan for you.

Dr. Pisarek's chiropractic treatments, apart from the main use of his hands, encompass various techniques, such as low-level laser therapy (Photobiostimulation; PBS), specific stretches and exercises, painless joint manipulation, digital trigger point massage, and even physiotherapy modalities like electrotherapy and ultrasound. He also considers the use of ice or heat applications and may suggest lifestyle modifications to promote your well-being. Your comfort and recovery are his priorities.

In some cases, TMD may not respond to a conservative chiropractic approach (for example, when there is a disc or arthritic problem in the joint itself) and may require cooperative care with a referral for dental treatment or consideration for surgical intervention as a last resort if all else fails... as surgery may be irreversible.

 Call Dr. Pisarek now at (416) 633-3000 to schedule an appointment

to make your TMJ (Jaw) suffering "a thing of the past"!

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