TMJ or Jaw Pain Treatment

severe mouth pain If you experience jaw pain or tenderness or hear clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth, you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or TMD. At Eggleston Chiropractic & Rehab, we get how uncomfortable and even debilitating this common condition can be.

The Role of the TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is like a hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, allowing you to speak, chew, and yawn. When the joint becomes inflamed or experiences dysfunction, it often leads to discomfort and pain and affects daily activities and quality of life.

Common Symptoms of TMD

In addition to jaw pain and tenderness and clicking or popping sounds, those with TMD may experience:

Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
Locking of the jaw
Earaches or headaches
Facial discomfort or muscle stiffness

There are many factors that can contribute to jaw pain:

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)—habitually grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep, can strain the TMJ and surrounding muscles
Stress—emotional or psychological stress may contribute to jaw clenching and muscle tension, increasing TMJ discomfort as a result
Trauma or Injury—a direct impact to the jaw or head can damage the TMJ or surrounding structures, leading to pain and dysfunction
Malocclusion (Misalignment of the Teeth)—an improper bite alignment can strain the TMJ and cause pain
Arthritis—degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, resulting in inflammation and pain

Comprehensive Solutions to Address Your Pain

Dr. Eggleston will develop a personalized care plan to address the underlying causes of your TMJ pain. The plan may include the following:

Spinal Adjustments—misalignments in the spine may increase TMJ pain by affecting nerve function and muscle tension. We aim to restore proper spinal alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and reduce muscle tension with our gentle adjustments.
Soft Tissue Therapy—techniques like massage therapy, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release target muscle tension in the jaw and surrounding areas, promoting relaxation and pain relief.
Postural Correction—poor posture contributes to the discomfort by straining the neck, shoulders, and jaw. We can provide guidance on ergonomic adjustments and therapeutic exercises to help improve posture and alleviate pain.
Lifestyle Modifications—adopting stress management techniques, making dietary adjustments, and engaging in relaxation exercises complement chiropractic care to help reduce TMJ pain.

Applying warm or cold compresses to the jaw area for about 10-15 minutes can also reduce pain and inflammation.

The Benefits of Choosing Eggleston Chiropractic & Rehab

Our approach is non-invasive and drug-free, focusing on natural healing and pain relief. Instead of just masking symptoms like medication, our holistic approach addresses the root causes of TMJ pain to help promote long-term wellness.

Another reason why we recommend visiting us for your TMJ pain is that chiropractic is safe and effective, offering lasting relief without the risks associated with surgery or medication.

Schedule a Consultation Today

You don’t have to put up with jaw pain, which can negatively impact your life. Take the first step toward lasting relief and improved oral health by consulting with Dr. Eggleston. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation, discuss your symptoms, and design a personalized treatment plan to address your TMJ-related issues.