Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Or TMJ

If it hurts when you chew or use or jaw or when you yawn, there can be a problem. If you feel pain in your cheek, teeth in front of the ear or in the temples, then you need to think seriously. If you find it difficult to open your mouth wide or if your jaws get stuck when you open it or if you experience soreness in your teeth or if your jaws make a lot of noise, then you need to be alert. If you are noticing these symptoms, then you can be sure that you have a problem of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. TMJ is a problematic condition which proves to be painful and attacks your jaws.

The signs and symptoms of TMJ can be limited movement of the jaw of locking of the jaw, dizziness, hearing problems, headaches, earaches and problem in swallowing, pain in the shoulders, face or neck, the improper fitting of upper and lower teeth and painful grating when opening or closing of the mouth.

Your chiropractor will help you with the treatment of TMJ like chiropractic manipulation, exercises, massage and ice or heart therapy. The first step in chiropractic treatment is to reduce the pain and soreness. In case your chiropractor thinks that you might need more assistance, he or she will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

You can also learn a few things from your chiropractor so that you can avoid things that can be harmful. You should avoid joint movements that can prove to be harmful for you like having a big apple or a big sandwich can cause you to open your mouth too wide and hence project a harmful effect on the jaw. Use of ice or heat can also prove to be helpful and reduce the pain. Just after the injury or start of the pain, ice is a good help. At a later point of time, if you are still experiencing pain and discomfort, you should switch over to heat. You should also perform exercises that are specifically meant for TMJ. There are certain stretching and strengthening exercises that help to reduce the pain and help to treat TMJ. Your chiropractor will give you more advice on that. Chiropractic treatment is the best method of treatment for TMJ as it is completely natural and helps to reduce pain and soreness and can prove to be very effective.