Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction, more commonly known as TMJ, is a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the joint of the jaw. This joint is found just below the ear, and it connects the jaw to the upper part of the skull.
TMJ is a painful condition that can affect anyone of any age, but it mostly affects women and people over the age of 35. At this time, doctors are not certain what causes TMJ, but it may be a combination of different triggers such as an injury to the jaw, teeth grinding, poor posture, and stress.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
People who suffer from TMJ Dysfunction experience discomfort or pain in the jaw, making it difficult for them to chew, talk, yawn, or sleep. Jaw aches may also cause headaches or a ringing in the ears.
And, people with more severe cases of TMJ may experience sharp, shooting pains in the jaw or ears, or may suffer from “lockjaw,” or tightness around the jaw making it difficult to move it. The jaw may not feel as though it aligns properly, or it may even feel as though it has popped out of place.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects TMJ Dysfunction
The upper cervical spine starts at the base of the skull and runs down through the neck into the upper back. Its job is to protect the nerves that go from the brain down through the spinal cord and to support the head.
When the vertebrae in the upper cervical spine are misaligned, it may cause inflammation, and swelling, and it may affect the muscles in the head and neck. This can lead to poor head posture, which may put stress on the jaw, forcing the muscle group around it to work harder which in turn creates a lot of tension in the joints. In time, this stress can lead to TMJ.
How Our TMJ Dysfunction Treatment Works
Dr. Christina Coblish and Dr. Ryan Moeskau of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder specialize in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, which focuses on misalignments of the upper cervical spine. Our doctors gently and effectively correct the misalignments that lead to a host of ailments, such as TMJ Dysfunction.
Using advanced 3D imaging tools we can pinpoint the musculoskeletal defects, and our doctors return the spine to a healthy state through gentle manipulations with minimal pressure. The Blair Chiropractic Technique offers safe, drug-free treatments to relieve the pain associated with TMJ Dysfunction and allow the body to kick into its natural healing process.
If the pain from TMJ Dysfunction is difficult to manage, please get in touch with Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau for an appointment. Located in Boulder, Colorado, Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder also services Broomfield, Denver, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, and Louisville.