Introduction
The jaw joint, medically referred to as the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, is made up of the bone below the mouth or jawbone and the bone just above the mouth, the maxilla. The TMJ allows the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw and is one of the most frequently used joints in the body. It moves up to 2,000 times each day while talking, chewing, swallowing, yawning, and snoring.
Causes of Jaw Problems
These jaw joints are complex structures consisting of muscles, tendons, and bones. Injury to these joints can cause pain in the jaw area and may occur on one side or both depending upon the cause of the pain.
There are numerous causes of jaw problems, but unless an actual injury to the joint occurs, most pain starts gradually and progresses over the course of days or months.
Chiropractic Treatment for Jaw Pain
Chiropractic treatment of jaw pain is usually very effective. Typically chiropractic treatment of jaw problems involves therapy to relieve pain, inflammation and muscle spasms around the joint. Different chiropractic therapies include:
- Cold laser therapy to decrease pain and inflammation
- Ultrasound therapy which also decreases inflammation and muscle spasms
- Soft tissue massage concentrating on techniques that help restore normal muscle balance
Chiropractic manipulation therapy to both the TMJ and neck area may be warranted. There are biomechanical and neurological connections between the TMJ and the cervical spine and sometime the vertebra become out of alignment and cannot move properly. Chiropractic manipulation is effective in restoring normal joint function to both the jaw and neck which helps relieve pain and muscle spasms. It also aids in realigning the joint so that it moves normally.
Additional Treatment
In addition, if the pain and swelling are significant, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory agents are sometimes recommended along with the above strategies.
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