Do you wake up with a sore jaw? Maybe you find it difficult to eat hard foods or even swallow. Or your jaw pops when you yawn. Jaw pain is no joke and is actually a very complex issue that can be related to all kinds of issues – from teeth grinding to auto-immune issues. If you’re dealing with chronic jaw pain, it’s time to address what is most likely temporomandibular disorders – known as TMJ. Drs. George and Stefanie Olar of 360 Chiropractic in Lacey may be able to help.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the connection between the mandible which is the jaw bone to your temporal bone (part of your skull), with an articular disc separating both. It is a bi-arthrodial hinge joint that allows complex movements necessary for eating, speaking and yawning. This joint is the most frequently used joint in the body, being such, according to The TMJ Association, anywhere from 10 to 35 million Americans suffer from TMJ issues. There are over 30 health conditions that often coincide with TMJ, making it a complex set of disorders that can be hard to diagnose and treat.
Common Symptoms of TMJ
The TMJ Association lists the following at common symptoms:
- Painful jaw muscles
- Pain in neck and shoulders
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw muscle stiffness
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Clicking or grinding in the jaw
- Ear pain, pressure, fullness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- A bite that feels “off”
Chiropractors Can Help
The traditional way to look at and treat TMJ was to focus on the jaw and teeth of the patient. However, a new study “Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA)” found that healthcare providers need to approach TMJ from a holistic perspective – assessing the whole person rather than just the jaw and teeth.
Known for their holistic methods of treating your entire body – from your diet and supplements, to chiropractic adjustments, massage and laser – 360 Chiropractic was already addressing TMJ holistically.
“We commonly see patients with a jaw out of its normal alignment after an injury, this could be from an automobile accident or a sports injury like an elbow or ball to the face,” explains Dr. Stefanie. “We even see infants and babies that have jaw issues, where they cannot latch well for nursing or are extra fussy. Just the birthing process alone can be the cause of the jaw out of its normal alignment. Also, emotional stress can cause the jaw muscles to tighten up, or anxious habits such as nail biting and jaw clenching.”
Luckily, in some cases, a couple adjustments should be enough to get you back to your normal life, jaw pain free.
But then there are those with chronic TMJ issues. 360 Chiropractic will work with you and your dentist to help. “Another common one is those that grind their teeth at night, even those that wear night guards,” says Dr. George. “We do recommend that clients let their dentist know if they have jaw pain, because as providers we can work together as a team to have a better outcome.
Drs. George and Stefanie will do a full body work up and can help address what may be causing the TMJ issues, including suggestions for stress relief, physical therapy and more.
Have Ear Pain? It Could be TMJ.
Ever had that sharp ear pain, it feels like someone stuck a knife into your inner ear, and think – I might be getting an ear infection? But you go the ear doctor, and they can find nothing wrong. So, you deal with it until it finally goes away. “It surprises me that there are clients I have seen for years and don’t realize that chiropractic can help with jaw pain, until we look at surrounding areas that might be contributing to their chronic headaches, neck pain, and sometimes pain associated around the ear,” shares Dr. Stefanie.
I get that sharp pain more often than I would like and it took me awhile to think about asking Dr. George _about it. A few quick adjustments and the pain stopped. Immediately. “It’s always exciting to hear from clients that they their pain has resolved after a gentle treatment to the jaw has been given with the activator instrument,” adds Dr. George. “We can even speed the healing time up with a non-invasive cold laser treatment, usual two to four treatments depending on how chronic the inflammation is. Massage therapy is another amazing way to soothing jaw pain. We enjoy keeping our patients and their families smiling! It’s the best feeling, having happy healthy patients!”
“Most pain can come from not being able to open your mouth all the way, or not being able to bite down or chew,” adds Dr. George. “And this can be annoying when there is good food to eat, and you can’t even enjoy it due to jaw pain. Our goal in the office is to help everyone have a better quality of life and that includes enjoyment in the little things.”
Don’t be afraid to talk to your chiropractor if you are suffering from TMJ related symptoms. Visit the 360 Chiropractic website for more information.
360 Chiropractic
5101 Lacey Boulevard SE, Lacey
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