Trusted Experts of TMJ Treatment in Cordova, TN

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a painful condition that affects the jaw and surrounding muscles. It can cause severe headaches, neck pain, and even earaches. If you suffer from TMJ disorder, it can be difficult to stop the pain. Over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief but don’t address the underlying issue causing your discomfort. Surgery is often seen as a last resort due to its invasive nature and long recovery time.

Cole Chiropractic Center in Cordova, TN offers an effective solution for TMJ treatment without surgery or medication — chiropractic care. Our experienced team of chiropractors uses gentle adjustments to realign the jaw joints and reduce inflammation in the affected area. With regular visits, our patients have reported significant improvement in their symptoms with no downtime or side effects.

a woman is experiencing a severe jaw pain

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint connecting your skull and lower jaw. It helps you open and close your mouth when chewing, talking, and yawning. When this joint is out of alignment, it can cause pain and even prevent you from opening your mouth. This condition is known as TMJ disorder (also called TMD).

TMJ disorder can cause headaches, earaches, clicking or popping in the jaw joint when you open your mouth, and limited movement of the jaw. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if any of these symptoms arise as early treatment often helps reduce or eliminate them.

How a Chiropractor Can Help?

Chiropractic care is a great way to treat TMJ disorders. It focuses on realigning joints, nerves, and muscles in the head, neck, and jaw areas that have become misaligned due to trauma or overuse. A chiropractor can also provide treatments, such as therapeutic massage, stretching exercises, and ultrasound therapy to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In addition, a chiropractor can provide lifestyle advice to help manage TMJ symptoms and prevent further damage, such as avoiding certain foods or activities that could aggravate the condition. With regular treatments from a qualified chiropractor, many TMJ sufferers can experience significant relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • Pain and tenderness in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles: While this can be a dull ache, it can also cause sharp, shooting pains in the jaw area. Your jaw may also feel stiff and tender. And when you open your mouth wide, you may hear a clicking or popping in the joint.
  • Difficulty opening and closing your mouth: This can be temporary when the pain is severe, or it may become more permanent if left untreated. In some cases, you may only be able to open your mouth a few centimeters.
  • Headaches and neck pain: This is caused by the muscles in your head, neck, and shoulders connected to the temporomandibular joint becoming tight or strained. This can cause headaches and tension in the area.
  • Earache or ringing in the ear: Your ear may feel full, congested, or have a ringing sensation.
  • Problems with chewing: Chewing can become difficult because of the tightness in your jaw muscles or because of pain triggered when you chew. You may find yourself favoring one side of your mouth over the other for comfort.
  • Facial swelling and discomfort: In some cases, TMJ disorder causes facial swelling or tenderness around the jaw joint due to inflammation in the area.
  • Dizziness: The nerve connection between your jaw and inner ear can become disrupted, causing feelings of dizziness or a spinning sensation.

Common Causes

TMJ disorder can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Trauma or injury to the jaw or head: When the temporomandibular joint becomes injured, it can cause the muscles in the area to tighten and become sore, leading to TMJ disorder.
  • Arthritis: Arthritis of the jaw joint is another common cause of TMJ disorder. During arthritis, the cartilage that cushions and protects the joint can wear away or become inflamed. It can cause pain and stiffness in the joint.
  • Stress: Stress can cause you to clench our jaw muscles and grind your teeth, leading to tension in the temporomandibular joint. Over time, this can lead to TMJ disorder.
  • Habits: Certain habits such as chewing gum, nail-biting, and constantly opening and closing your mouth can overwork the muscles in the jaw area. If done consistently this can lead to TMJ disorder.
  • Misaligned teeth: If your teeth are misaligned or shifted from their normal position, this can cause strain on the jaw joint and muscles that results in TMJ disorder.

Treatments for TMJ

When it comes to treating TMJ, there are a few common approaches.

1. Medication

Pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help manage TMJ pain and discomfort. Some of the most common medications used include:

  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories: ibuprofen and naproxen are two of the most commonly prescribed medications.
  • Muscle relaxants: These can be used to help reduce muscle tension in the jaw area.
  • Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications: These may be prescribed if stress or anxiety is causing your TMJ symptoms.

2. Therapies

Physical therapy and jaw exercises may be recommended to help strengthen the muscles used in chewing and speaking, as well as reduce pain. A splint or mouth guard may also be prescribed to help relax the jaw muscles and prevent clenching or grinding teeth at night (bruxism). Here’s the list of physical therapy exercises that can help:

  • Chewing gum: In moderation, chewing gum can help relax the jaw muscles and encourage proper alignment of your bite
  • Jaw stretches: Pulling your lips back or pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth helps stretch out the jaw muscles.
  • Massage: Massaging your temples and jaw muscles with gentle pressure can promote relaxation in these areas.
  • Heat and cold: Applying a hot or cold compress to the jaw can help reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be recommended if other treatments are unsuccessful. This could include anything from replacing worn-out cartilage to repositioning your jaw joint. Here are the most common types of surgery for TMJ:

  • Joint replacement: This procedure involves replacing the damaged or worn-out cartilage in your jaw joint with artificial material. In some cases, it may also involve realigning the jaw joint. Arthrocentesis: This procedure involves draining any excess fluids in the joint by making a small incision.
  • Fusion: In this procedure, surgeons will fuse together the two bones in your jaw joint to make one solid piece.
  • Arthrocentesis: In this procedure, a needle is used to drain the joint of excess fluid and reduce inflammation.
  • Jaw repositioning: During this procedure, your jaw may be reset into its proper alignment.
  • Arthroscopy: During this procedure, a camera is inserted into the joint to allow surgeons to look for any damage or abnormalities.

4. Chiropractic Treatment

Unlike other treatments, chiropractic care is a drug-free, nonsurgical approach to treating TMJ. It focuses on realigning the jaw joints and restoring their natural balance, while also providing relief from pain and discomfort. Chiropractors may use various techniques ranging from manual adjustments to low-level laser therapy to help realign the jaw joint and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles.

In addition, chiropractors may also provide lifestyle advice on how to reduce the risk of TMJ flare-ups, such as avoiding certain habits that can stress the joint. And of course, regular chiropractic visits can help keep the jaw joint in proper alignment.

a man lying in bed is suffering from his jaw pain

When to See a Chiropractor at Cole Chiropractic Center for a TMJ Treatment in Cordova, TN

If you’re suffering from TMJ-related pain and discomfort, it may be time to visit a chiropractor in Cordova for TMJ treatment. Our team of experienced chiropractors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you. Your pinched nerve chiropractic care starts with an assessment of your condition and the development of a treatment plan based on your needs and lifestyle. From there, the chiropractor will use various techniques like manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, ultrasound, and low-level laser therapy to help reduce your pain and improve your overall quality of life. And of course, we’ll also provide advice on how to reduce the risk of future flare-ups and discomfort.

Contact Cole Chiropractic Center today to start your journey toward relief from TMJ.