TMD has a range of causes for which many treatments are available. One treatment might involve chiropractic. With physical manipulation of your jaw joint and muscles, a chiropractor might be able to help ease your TMD pain.
What Causes TMD?
TMD is a general term covering these disorders:
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, commonly known as TMJ
- Facial pain around the jaw joint
- Muscle problems affecting the joint’s movement
Besides jaw pain and facial, neck, and shoulder pain – TMD causes problems with opening your mouth, headaches, and other symptoms.
Hormones, genetics, and behaviors can be TMD factors. TMD causes include:
- Jaw injury
- Improper alignment
- Arthritis
- Tension or stress, which might result in teeth grinding or clenching
- Autoimmune diseases
Sometimes, though, the exact cause isn’t known. Consequently, when dentists or dental specialists treat TMD, they may prescribe several approaches.
How Can a Chiropractor Help with TMJ or TMD?
Licensed chiropractors adjust bones, joints, and muscles to improve function and reduce pain in their patients. One option a TMJ chiropractor can provide is to make these adjustments to help ease TMD/TMJ symptoms, including pain:
- Manipulate the jaw joint so it can move more easily
- Relieve the muscle tension near the jaw
You might need to visit a TMJ chiropractor several times or even regularly to manage your TMD symptoms.
TMD Treatments
Besides chiropractic treatment for TMJ or any TMD, other treatments include:
- Taking pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Eating soft foods
- Reducing stress and tension
- Wearing dental splints
- Receiving physical therapy
Ask your dental professional who diagnosed your TMD if a TMJ chiropractic treatment is a good option for reducing your symptoms – either as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments. The important thing is to ease your pain so you can enjoy eating and all of life’s pleasures.
