TMJ (Jaw Pain)

Having jaw pain that occurs frequently can be a sign of TMJ disorder or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This joint joins your skull and jawbone together, allowing your jawbone to open and close smoothly. Problems with this joint can result in TMJ dysfunction and cause mild to severe symptoms. At Estner Injury Centers, our chiropractors in Rhode Island can provide safe and effective TMJ treatment.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

This joint is made up of bones, cartilage, and a disk that absorbs shock. When problems with these occur, jaw pain and other symptoms can develop. You can end up with TMJ disorders when the disk becomes misaligned or deteriorates. TMJ dysfunction can also occur when the cartilage becomes worn due to arthritis or when this joint is damaged. Certain risk factors can increase your chance of having TMJ disorders, including jaw injuries, connective tissue diseases, teeth grinding, and some types of arthritis.

What Are Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?

Sciatica can cause the following symptoms:

• Pain that occurs along the sciatic nerve path, which can include your lower back, hip, buttocks, thigh, and calf
• Pain that ranges from a dull ache to a burning sensation or sudden jolt
• Pain that typically occurs on one side of your body rather than both
• Pain that can become worse after sitting for awhile or when you sneeze or cough
• Tingling or numbness in your leg on the affected side

When Do I Need Treatment for TMJ Dysfunction?

You should seek care if you experience pain, limited jaw movement, or both due to TMJ dysfunction. These symptoms can affect your daily life, especially if you have pain or difficulty opening and closing your mouth or chewing.

How Is TMJ Dysfunction Treated?

Conventional treatments for TMJ disorders may include pain relievers and other medications, physical therapy, dental splints, and mouth guards to prevent teeth grinding. Corticosteroid injections and surgical procedures are also used to treat TMJ in some cases. Chiropractic adjustments are another treatment option to consider, since they can provide relief from jaw pain and other symptoms.

How Can a Chiropractor Treat TMJ Disorders?

Our chiropractors at Estner Injury Centers can perform adjustments or manipulation of the affected joint to help ease muscle tension and restore your normal range of motion. These adjustments might also help correct misalignments in the disk that’s part of the temporomandibular joint. This chiropractic care can help ease jaw, ear, and facial pain while also allowing you to chew or open and close your mouth without difficulty or discomfort.

Am I a Good Candidate for Chiropractic TMJ Treatment?

Having chiropractic TMJ treatment done can be a good alternative to having surgery or other invasive treatments done. Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered a safe form of treatment as long as licensed and trained chiropractic doctors perform them. Our chiropractors at Estner Injury Centers will consider several factors, such as underlying conditions and age, to determine if chiropractic care is right for TMJ symptoms in your case.

If you need treatment for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, please contact Estner Injury Centers to set up an appointment at our location in Cranston, Providence, or Pawtucket, Rhode Island.