TMJ Disorder Treatment in Portage
Jaw pain, clicking, and tension headaches can make eating, talking, and even sleeping uncomfortable. Some people have already tried a night guard from their dentist but still wake up sore. When symptoms continue, it may be worth looking at how the jaw joint itself is moving.
Why Your Jaw Clicks, Catches, or Drifts
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint, the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When joint movement is restricted, the jaw may deviate to one side as you open and close your mouth. Clicking can have different causes. In some cases, the disc within the joint may be involved. In others, the sound may come from cavitation as the joint opens. An examination helps determine what may be happening rather than assuming every click has the same cause.
What Can Put the Jaw Under Strain?
Factors that may be relevant include:
- Clenching or grinding
- A history of trauma to the jaw, including contact sports
- Restrictions in the neck that may be related to jaw function
- Changes involving the joint or its disc
Symptoms That Don’t Always Stay in the Jaw
When To Have Your Jaw Checked
Consider scheduling an evaluation when jaw irritation or clicking becomes noticeable, your bite feels different, or you can see your jaw drifting to one side when you open your mouth in a mirror. Ongoing joint problems may be associated with degenerative changes over time, so persistent symptoms are worth evaluating rather than simply assuming they’ll resolve on their own.
Give the Joint Time to Respond
One thing patients don’t always realize is that chiropractors may evaluate and address joint dysfunction involving the TMJ. They may also expect jaw symptoms to change quickly. The tissues within this joint have a relatively limited blood supply, so changes may take time. Care is individualized, with goals that may include improving jaw movement and reducing associated discomfort.
Looking at the Neck and Jaw Together
During your visit, your chiropractor watches how your jaw tracks as you open and close your mouth and looks for side-to-side deviation. The examination also considers previous trauma, headaches, ear discomfort, tooth or jaw pain, and neck symptoms. Because neck function can be related to jaw symptoms, the cervical spine is also assessed. Restrictions there may be addressed first when indicated, followed by the TMJ itself when chiropractic adjustment is appropriate. Extremity adjusting may also be used when appropriate to assess and address both the neck and jaw during the same visit. For the TMJ, a Thompson drop headrest is typically used rather than a manual adjustment because the area can be particularly tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care be considered if my night guard hasn’t helped?
Why do you check my neck when my jaw hurts?
How quickly will my TMJ symptoms improve?
Find Out What May Be Behind Your Jaw Symptoms
If clicking, clenching, jaw discomfort, or related headaches have become part of your routine, an evaluation can help determine what may be involved. Contact Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic to schedule your TMJ assessment.