TMJ Disorder/Syndrome When the TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) is misaligned, it is called TMJ Syndrome. Common symptoms include the inability to open the mouth wide and a clicking or popping sound when the mouth opens or closes. In some cases, the jaw can even temporarily lock. Other TMJ symptoms can include headache; hearing loss; tinnitus (ringing in the ears); throat fullness; facial swelling; shoulder, cheek or jaw pain; neck ache; facial nerve pain; ear or eye pain; dental pain; nausea; blurred vision and even dizziness. |  |
What structures are examined when evaluating the cause of TMJ pain?
- Cervical Spine (Neck)
- Shoulder(s)
- Cranial Bones
- Thoracic Spine (Upper Back)
- Postural Changes
- The TMJ itself
Chiropractic Approach to TMJ
| Because structural and TMJ problems are often found together, many TMJ sufferers benefit from chiropractic care. Careful analysis is used to determine exactly where the problem is coming from (ex. cervical spine, cranial bones, shoulder, TMJ itself, etc.) and gentle chiropractic adjustments are used to correct any imbalances, which helps to relieve pain. At Stamford Balance Chiropractic Studio, Dr. Cristina uses the Activator Method Technique to analyze and adjust the TMJ. According to a recent retrospective case series researching the Activator Method and TMJ, patients had on average an improvement of 80.9% ± 15.4% in reduction of symptoms. (1) |  |
The TMJ and our nervous system
The chiropractic adjustments are used to relieve pressure on the spine, cranial bones and jaw, which studies show may help to correct or relieve a TMJ problem. Interestingly enough, an unhealthy skull/jaw alignment can also put great stress upon the spinal column. Problems to your general health and well-being can occur with TMJ dysfunction because of the important neurological connections around the area of the temporomandibular joint.
References:
1. Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Retrospective Case Series
Pavia, Steven et al. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , 279 - 284. http://www.journalchiromed.com/article/S1556-3707%2815%2900080-2/abstract
1. Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Retrospective Case Series
Pavia, Steven et al. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , 279 - 284. http://www.journalchiromed.com/article/S1556-3707%2815%2900080-2/abstract
You can make your first appointment with Dr. Cristina by calling our office at 203-355-2830 or by booking online through our profile on ZocDoc.com.
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