Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
The TemporoMandibular joint (TMJ) attaches the jaw to the skull, and is the most complex joint in the body. This joint is surrounded by an intricate arrangement of teeth, muscles, ligaments, bones, disc, and nerves. Because of this complex, interdependent structure TMJ problems can have far-reaching effects. Common effects of TemporoMandibular Disorder (TMD) are jaw pain, limited jaw motion, popping in the jaw, facial pain, teeth pain, headache, including migraine-like headache, shoulder pain, tinnitus, arm tingling or numbness, and back pain. Correcting the TMJ can have a stabilizing effect on the low back, specifically the sacroiliac joints.
Other symptoms of TMJ disorder can include snoring, repeated ear infections, and restricted airways. In children it can manifest with frequent ear infections and heavy gum chewing.
Possible causes of TMD
Causes of TMD can be malocclusion (teeth not aligned properly), physical trauma to the joint, habitual teeth grinding, and can be subject to degenerative changes (arthritis). Often people who've had braces have TMD. Poor posture can effect the TMJ due to straining the muscles and ligaments that attach to the joint.
Exam to determine the root cause of TMJ
The TMJ is examined by watching the patient open his mouth and see how well the joint “tracks.” Does the mouth open smoothly or does the chin deviate to either side? Is there pain on palpation to the joint or surrounding areas? Are there trigger points (small areas of pain) around the joint? These are the types of problems that will be revealed through exam.
Often the bones of the skull need to be aligned in people with TMD. Look at your face in the mirror. Does one eye appear larger than the other? Do your eyebrows appear even? Is one side of your mouth drawn down more? If you touch your eyeballs (through your closed eyelids) does one side feel higher and rounder than the other? These are all indicators of misalignment of the cranial bones (the skull).
Correcting the alignment of the bones of the skull (cranium) can have a positive impact on the TMJ. Techniques such as Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) and Craniosacral therapy address these issues. The TMD patient can do home care such as using warm, moist compresses around the joint combined with gentle stretches, to relax the muscles. Medical/dental options include using a mouth guard, or “splint” to prevent pressure into the joint from chronic teeth grinding or clenching. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed. These therapies can be successfully combined with the chiropractic techniques described here.
To discuss your treatment options for TMJ, call our office to setup an appointment.