Understanding TMJ Disorders and How Chiropractic Care Can Help Treat Them

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ disorder, can cause intense jaw pain and disrupt your daily life if left untreated. When you searched for “chiropractor near me,” you found us, Springbok Wellness, in Gilbert, AZ.  We often treat TMJ disorders and help improve one’s quality of life and we want the same for you.

What Is a TMJ Disorder? 

You have two temporomandibular joints that connect your lower jaw bone to your skull. These joints are essential for movements like chewing or talking. A TMJ disorder occurs when a condition or injury causes the jaw to not move normally which then affects the muscles and nerves in your jaw and how the jaw moves.

You can experience several symptoms of a TMJ disorder, with the most common being jaw pain and discomfort. You may also have soreness in the joints or surrounding areas of the mouth. Some people find chewing food challenging or painful with a TMJ disorder. Other people hear a clicking sound in the jaw or feel the jaw lock in place. You can also experience headaches and pain in the ear or face.

Chiropractic Treatment for TMJ Disorders

Chiropractors utilize a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the root cause of your problem rather than masking the symptoms. Your chiropractor will perform a physical exam and discuss your symptoms and lifestyle. Once they identify the cause of your pain, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Some of the most common treatments for TMJ disorders include:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Misalignments in the spine can affect your entire body, including the jaw. Chiropractic adjustments can correct these misalignments to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Your chiropractor may include nutritional counseling with chiropractic adjustments to manage inflammation and promote overall health.

Corrective Exercises

Your chiropractor may include corrective exercises in your treatment plan to go along with adjustments. These exercises help you maintain proper alignment, increase range of motion, and strengthen weakened muscles. Your chiropractor will show you how to do the exercises, and you can continue them at home.

Massage Therapy

Another helpful treatment for TMJ disorders is massage therapy. Massage relaxes tight muscles to relieve jaw pain. This therapy can also increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Your chiropractor may incorporate massage with other modalities to make treatment gentler and more effective.

E-Stim Therapy

E-stim therapy uses electrical currents to stimulate and relax muscles around the jaw. Doing this can reduce pain and inflammation from TMJ disorders. E-stim also increases jaw muscle mobility, improves blood flow, and encourages natural healing.

Get Lasting Relief from Your TMJ Specialist Near Me at Springbok Wellness

TMJ disorders can cause intense jaw pain when eating or talking and significantly impact your day-to-day life, so contact Springbok Wellness in Gilbert, AZ, to get the chiropractic care necessary to feel like yourself again. Call us and schedule a consultation today at (480) 558-0474 to experience the long-lasting benefits of chiropractic care on TMJ disorders.