Chiropractic therapy is well-known for its ability to alleviate various aches and pains in the body. People appear to be unaware of this treatment’s full potential and impact as it is often only associated with difficulties related to spinal alignment. However, there is a lot more to it.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort is one such instance when chiropractic therapy may make a significant impact. TMJ discomfort is characterized by pain and tenderness in the jaw and a popping sound when the jaw moves. Many people have the ailment, but few know how to manage it. 

TMJ adjustments, which try to free up the jaw muscles, are highly effective in treating TMJ discomfort. Making these modifications doesn’t take a lot of time, and they bring immediate comfort.

In this article, we will run you through the ways TMJ adjustments work.

What Is a TMJ Ailment?

The temporomandibular (TMJ) ailment is characterized by acute or persistent temporomandibular joint inflammation. The mandible and skull are joined at this point. The term refers to various disorders affecting the jaw muscles, facial nerves, and TM joints.

The TM joint mainly serves two purposes. It is a hinge for opening and shutting the mouth, for starters. Additionally, it carries out the lower jaw’s sliding function, which allows you to chew, sing, yawn, and execute other actions. Any obstruction to these two motions might be pretty troublesome.

TMJ conditions are surprisingly prevalent, especially among younger age groups. In fact, they affect close to 12% of the US population. These ailments have a wide range of possible causes, such as injury to the jaw, teeth grinding, autoimmune diseases, etc.

TMJ issues may be characterized by soreness of the jaw, worsening pain when biting or chewing, jaw stiffness, sensitive teeth, headaches, and more.

How Chiropractic Care Works for TMJ Discomfort

The masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles are the primary targets of chiropractic therapy for TMJ discomfort. Naturally, the treatment also affects the jaw joint, the suboccipital muscles, and the surrounding regions that impact the jaw joint. Everything has to be in the proper alignment for the discomfort to be reduced.

You can chew thanks to the masseter muscle. You may feel this deep, dense muscle when you put your palm on your face and then open and close your lips. In addition to the masseter, the temporalis muscle is essential for chewing and has a broader range of motion.

When you see a chiropractor for TMJ, they will start by thoroughly examining you to ascertain the root of your ailment. The jaw muscles are then released using a variety of soft tissue procedures to relieve the discomfort.

Dealing with TMJ Pain

TMJ pain can be alleviated by chiropractic therapy, but there are many things you can do to lessen the discomfort and manage your condition, such as:

• Consuming softer foods at least until the pain has eased
• Applying a cold compress to the area
• Regular massages on the tissue
• Gentle jaw stretches
• Stress regulation techniques to help you relax

Conclusion

Chiropractic therapy is an effective way to deal with TMJ pain because it aims to restore the proper function of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. Chiropractors can help you eliminate the pain and allow you to chew, yawn, and sing again.

Are you looking for a chiropractor for TMJ in Arlington Heights? Hawkeye Chiropractic can help you relieve or manage the pain holistically. Schedule your consultation online today!