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As someone who has been practicing chiropractic care for over 25 years, I can tell you that few things are as debilitating as chronic pain, and TMJ is one of them. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders cause it.

The TMJ is the joint that joins your jawbone and skull. It helps you open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and yawn comfortably. When misaligned or inflamed, this joint can cause severe pain, headaches, and difficulty with tasks like eating and talking.

The joint being out of place or swollen can result in severe pain. It can also lead to headaches. In addition, it can make simple tasks like eating and talking challenging.

TMJ disorders are alarmingly common, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans (1). Constant pain and discomfort can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Working, socializing, and generally feeling good can make it hard. That’s why finding an effective treatment for TMJ jaw pain is crucial.

In this blog, I will discuss treatments for TMJ disorders, focusing on chiropractic techniques that have worked well in my practice.

Conventional Treatments for TMJ Disorders

Before we dive into chiropractic care, let’s take a look at some of the conventional treatments for TMJ disorders:

Medications: You can temporarily relieve TMJ pain with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Muscle relaxants can also help reduce jaw tension. However, these drugs mask signs and do not address the true root of the illness. Additionally, prolonged use can lead to side effects and potential dependency.
Jaw Exercises and Physical Therapy: Certain exercises that target the jaw muscles can help improve joint function and decrease tension. Physical therapy may use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or hot/cold therapy to reduce pain and help the body heal. While these treatments can be beneficial, they often require a consistent and long-term commitment from the patient.
Dental Treatments: Mouthguards, bite splints, and orthodontic treatments can help with bite problems and misalignments that may be causing TMJ disorders (2). However, these therapies can be expensive and might not tackle the source of the issue. The main problem may persist if it is due to muscle tension or joint issues.
Surgery: If other treatments don’t work, doctors may suggest surgery like arthroscopy or open-joint surgery. These procedures aim to repair damaged joint tissues or remove inflammatory debris. However, surgery can be invasive and risky and may not provide long-lasting relief if the condition’s underlying cause persists.

Traditional treatments can assist certain TMJ patients. However, they might need to tackle the disorder’s complexity and offer long-term relief thoroughly. That is where chiropractic techniques shine, offering a comprehensive and holistic approach to TMJ treatment.

Chiropractic Techniques for TMJ Treatment

As a chiropractor, I’ve had tremendous success in treating TMJ disorders using a variety of gentle, non-invasive techniques that target the root cause of the problem. In my practice, I have found these chiropractic techniques to be effective. Here are some genuine instances of how I’ve helped patients.

Adjustments: I can help relieve TMJ pain by gently adjusting the jaw and surrounding joints to improve alignment and reduce tension. One of my patients, Sarah, had been suffering from chronic jaw pain and headaches for years. After making some changes, she noticed a noticeable improvement in her symptoms. Now, she can open her mouth without any pain.
Myofascial Release: This technique targets the connective tissue and muscles of the face. It aims to release tension and promote healing in the TMJ area. Jessica, a patient who had been struggling with TMJ pain for months, found relief after just a few sessions of Myofascial Release therapy. She described the experience as “life-changing” and was finally able to enjoy meals without wincing in pain.
Shockwave Therapy: This treatment employs sound waves to help heal jaw joints and reduce inflammation, providing long-lasting pain relief without invasive procedures. John, a patient who had tried various conventional treatments without success, was skeptical about shockwave therapy at first. After a few sessions, he noticed his jaw moving better and feeling less pain. This improvement allowed him to return to his active lifestyle.
Other Techniques: Depending on the individual case, I may also incorporate acupuncture, massage therapy, or other complementary chiropractic modalities to address TMJ disorders holistically. Samantha, a patient with chronic neck tension and jaw pain, found relief through a combination of chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and targeted massage therapy.

Chiropractic care focuses on addressing the fundamental root of a disease rather than just hiding its signs. Chiropractic care helps fix alignment issues, reduce tension, and promote healing in problem areas for lasting relief.

Benefits of Chiropractic Techniques for TMJ Treatment

Chiropractic treatment focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause of a problem rather than merely eliminating the symptoms. Here are some key benefits of chiropractic techniques for TMJ treatment:

Safety: Chiropractic therapies are safe and low-risk when performed by an experienced practitioner.
No Side Effects: Chiropractic care is drug-free and non-invasive, lowering the chance of side effects and complications compared to medications (3).
Holistic Approach: As a chiropractor, I treat the whole person, not just the jaw joint. I consider things like how you sit, how stressed you are, and your daily habits that can cause TMJ problems. I offer a complete treatment plan for lasting relief.

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The Final Words

If you’re struggling with chronic jaw pain due to TMJ disorders, don’t lose hope. While traditional therapies may provide short relief, chiropractic approaches offer a safe, efficient, and comprehensive method for controlling this chronic condition.

With 25 years of experience, I’ve seen how chiropractic care can help with TMJ disorders and transform people’s lives. I offer different techniques to help you feel better and improve your quality of life. These procedures range from simple modifications to more complex therapies, such as shockwave therapy.

Remember that TMJ diseases are complex; therefore, seek expert care from a knowledgeable practitioner like myself. Don’t suffer in silence; schedule a consultation today to begin your journey to a pain-free jaw.

REFERENCE

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2024, March 8). TMJ Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-12/tmj-disorders.pdf.
Smiles by Rizzo. (2024, April 29). Are Dental Splints and Mouth Guards Effective in TMJ Disorders? Retrieved from https://www.smilesbyrizzo.com/are-dental-splints-and-mouth-guards-effective-in-tmj-disorders.
OC Wellness Physicians. (2024, May 2). Why Chiropractic Care is Safer than Prescription Pain Relief. Retrieved from https://ocwellnessphysicians.com/why-chiropractic-care-is-safer-than-prescription-pain-relief/#:~:text=Safer%20and%20 more%20 effective%20 alternatives,to%20 long%2 Term%20 medication%20use.

Dr. Craig Eymann

Meet Dr. Craig Eymann, a dedicated chiropractor and yoga enthusiast with over two decades of expertise in spinal health, sports chiropractic, and personalized care, prioritizing misalignment correction for swift injury resolution.