Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is a term for the joint of your jaw which connects your mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone (side of the skull). This joint has an important function in our everyday life including chewing, eating and speaking.
Irritation and dysfunction can happen to the TMJ and people with TMJ disorder may experience different symptoms:
- clicking of jaw
- jaw pain
- headaches
- a toothache
- locking of the jaw
- facial pain
- sinus pressure
- movement difficulty of the jaw
Because TMJ is closely related to your teeth, neck and head. It is often under-diagnosed as the root cause of the pain in these joints.
TMJ disorder can be related to:
- trauma/injury to the jaw
- arthritis
- grinding teeth
- high-stress level
- structural abnormalities
- daily habits that stress the jaw
- braces
People with TMJ disorders not only suffer from pain, but a high level of stress can also be associated with TMJ disorder because of the constant clicking of the jaw, low self-esteem, eating and sleep alteration. These factors can further irritate TMJ as increases the patient’s muscle tension, decreases jaw movement and increases the chance of clenching of the jaw.
TMJ disorders can be managed by your chiropractor. Diagnosis is essential for TMJ disorder, and often x-ray imaging can be used. A chiropractor can have a look at the alignment and movement of the jaw including full biomechanical function related to the jaw and treat accordingly.
If you are suffering from jaw pain/disorder please come in for an assessment and treatment with our chiropractor, Harry. Harry can be found at Healthspace Kingsford, please call the clinic on 96632151 to make your appointment.
