TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint allows for chewing, talking, and facial movement. When the TMJ is irritated, misaligned, or strained, it can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

Common Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders can develop due to several factors, including:

• Jaw Misalignment – If the jaw is slightly off balance, it can cause strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Chronic grinding or clenching can wear down the joint and cause inflammation.
• Whiplash or Injury – Trauma to the head, neck, or jaw can misalign the TMJ.
• Poor Posture – Forward head posture can create excess tension in the neck and jaw muscles, leading to dysfunction.
• Arthritis – Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint inflammation and degeneration.
• Stress and Muscle Tension – Emotional stress can lead to jaw clenching and tightness, worsening TMJ pain

Symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary, but they often include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Locking of the jaw or difficulty moving it
• Headaches, migraines, or ear pain
• Facial pain or tightness in the cheeks and temples
• Neck and upper back tension

These symptoms can disrupt daily life, making it uncomfortable to eat, speak, or even yawn. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help relieve TMJ pain and improve jaw function naturally.

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we focus on addressing the root cause of TMJ disorders rather than just managing symptoms. Our chiropractic treatments can help by:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments for Jaw Alignment

Many TMJ issues stem from misalignments in the spine and jaw. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can:

• Correct jaw misalignment, reducing strain on the TMJ.
• Relieve pressure on surrounding nerves, decreasing pain and inflammation.
• Improve overall biomechanics, allowing for smoother jaw movement.

We use techniques such as the Diversified and Activator Methods, which offer precise, controlled adjustments to restore proper jaw and spinal alignment.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy for Jaw and Neck Muscles

Muscle tension plays a significant role in TMJ dysfunction. We use:

• Trigger point therapy to release tightness in the jaw, neck, and facial muscles.
• High-volt electrical muscle stimulation (HVES) to reduce muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain.
• Moist heat therapy to relax the jaw and neck muscles before adjustments.

3. Posture Correction and Lifestyle Advice

Posture plays a significant role in TMJ health. We provide:

• Postural assessments to identify any imbalances affecting the TMJ.
• Ergonomic recommendations to reduce strain on the jaw and neck.
• At-home stretches and jaw relaxation techniques to maintain alignment and prevent future issues.

Numerous studies highlight the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for TMJ pain relief:

• A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that manual therapy, including spinal manipulation, significantly reduced TMJ pain and improved jaw function (de Giorgi et al., 2020).
• A systematic review in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics concluded that chiropractic care can improve TMJ mobility, reduce pain, and relieve muscle tightness (Herman et al., 2015).
• Research in Clinical Oral Investigations showed that postural correction and cervical spine adjustments help alleviate TMJ-related pain and dysfunction (Manfredini et al., 2018).