The Connection Between TMJ & the Spine

The Temporal Mandibular Joint, or TMJ, is the most active joint of the body. This is a small joint in front of the ear that connects the mandible to the skull. The average human being moves the TMJ up to 2,000 times each day by chewing, swallowing, talking, yawning, and snoring. It has only been in the last decade where recognition of the importance of this dysfunction of the TMJ on the cervical spine and body has been acknowledged. There is enough data now to show a correlation between symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction and Cervical Spine Dysfunction (CSD).

Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction affects approximately 35% of the American population. Pain medication and/or lifestyle changes can help treat the symptoms, but chiropractic techniques may be a better option.

Doctors of Chiropractic can use a variety of techniques to reduce the pain associated with TMJ, while also increasing the range of motion and mobility in the jaw and neck area. This can include specific cervical adjustments and also intra-oral work to the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles that attach at the TMJ.

This can reduce the amount of grinding and/or clicking that many with TMJ experience as they open and close their mouths. This can also reduce discomfort in the rest of the body. TMJ Dysfunction is synonymous with the core distortion of the entire body, and the pelvis and cranium need to be brought back into balance in order to effectively treat TMJ.

TMJ can be a result of several different causes. In some cases, it is due to missing teeth that have forced bones in the jaw out of position. Car accidents or any other mishap that causes the jaw to be out of place are also a major cause. Also, sleeping on the stomach or on a side can cause the jaw to be displaced. The most common reason for TMJ however, is the grinding of teeth or tightening of the jaw while sleeping.

The onset of pain is gradual, increasing over several days or months. When the jaw clicks, the mandible deviates to one side when opened. Pain occurs upon opening and closing the mouth. On some occasions, just moving the head on the neck can create stress on the joint. This constant pressure can create severe pain in the jaw and puts excessive strain on the muscles. Oftentimes TMJ can lead to tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.

Chiropractors can not only reduce discomfort around the jaw area, they can help eliminate headaches and earaches that are commonly associated with TMJ. They can also eliminate the excessive strain and pressure over the muscles around the jaw and neck area.

If teeth grinding and jaw clenching are the reasons for a patient’s TMJ, the treatment plan could include stress-relieving treatments such as deep tissue massage and other therapies that help to reduce tension and improve blood circulation. Some chiropractors also use intra-oral work or cold laser therapy focused on the TMJ to help reduce joint pain and improve the range of motion in this delicate area.

The treatment for TMJ varies depending on the severity of the condition, medical history, a complete physical workup and if the patient has had chiropractic treatments before. TMJ is often overlooked by physicians and is just as important as the psoas muscle (another overlooked part of the body recently covered here).

Make sure your practitioner is checking both your psoas and TMJ. With the muscle being the anchor at the base of your spine, it all ties together right up to your TMJ. If one part is out of alignment, it can create many of the symptoms we have covered here.

If you are suffering from TMJ, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lynn Kerew. She will be able to complete a thorough assessment of your head and neck area and create a customized treatment plan to address your condition.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.