If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain, clicking or popping when you chew, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) without realizing that many of their symptoms may actually be coming from the jaw joint.At Outten Chiropractic, jaw pain is something we see regularly. In fact, approximately one out of every five new patients who visit our office reports some type of jaw pain or TMJD symptoms. Whether your discomfort is new or something you’ve been living with for years, a thorough evaluation can help determine what’s contributing to your symptoms.
What Is TMJD?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to speak, chew, yawn, and move your mouth comfortably throughout the day.
TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) occurs when these joints or the surrounding muscles aren’t functioning properly. This can happen for many reasons, including trauma to the jaw, clenching or grinding your teeth, arthritis, muscle tightness, poor posture, or restricted movement of the jaw or neck. Because the jaw and neck work so closely together, dysfunction in one area often affects the other.
Common symptoms of TMJD include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw
- Pain while chewing
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Frequent headaches
- Ear pain, pressure, or ringing in the ears
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Facial pain or muscle tension
Many people are surprised to learn that chronic headaches, neck pain, or ear discomfort can actually be related to TMJD.
Looking Beyond the Jaw
One of the most important parts of treating jaw pain is determining where the problem is actually coming from.
Some patients come to us because their jaw hurts. Others think their main problem is recurring headaches, neck pain, or ear discomfort. During their examination, we often find that the TMJ is contributing to those symptoms.
That’s why every patient at Outten Chiropractic receives a comprehensive examination. Rather than simply treating the area that hurts, we evaluate how the jaw, neck, muscles, and surrounding joints are functioning together to identify the true source of your symptoms. This allows us to create a treatment plan that’s focused on correcting the underlying problem instead of just temporarily relieving the pain.
How We Treat TMJD
Dr. Outten and Dr. Chris are experienced in evaluating and treating TMJD using conservative, non-invasive therapies designed to improve joint function and reduce pain.
Depending on your examination findings, treatment may include:
- Gentle TMJ (jaw) adjustments to improve joint motion
- Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine when appropriate
- Class IV cold laser therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing
- Soft tissue treatment for tight jaw and neck muscles
- Therapeutic exercises to improve jaw mobility, strength, and stability
- Home care recommendations to reduce strain on the jaw
Every treatment plan is individualized because no two cases of TMJD are exactly alike.
Coordinated Care When Needed
Some patients benefit from additional treatment beyond chiropractic care. If specialized dental appliances such as a mouth guard, bite splint, or other prosthetic device are appropriate, we have an excellent working relationship with a trusted TMJ specialist. We’ll gladly coordinate your care to ensure you receive the treatment that’s best for your condition.
You Don’t Have to Live With Jaw Pain
TMJD can make everyday activities such as eating, talking, yawning, and even sleeping uncomfortable. The good news is that many patients experience significant improvement with the right combination of chiropractic care, laser therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and, when necessary, collaborative care with other healthcare providers.
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, ear discomfort, or clicking and popping in your jaw, we’d be happy to evaluate your condition.
If you’re looking for TMJ treatment or chiropractic care for jaw pain in Cary, NC, contact Outten Chiropractic today. Our goal is to identify the true cause of your symptoms and help you get back to living comfortably.