TMJ Treatment in Fort Collins, CO
TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a sliding hinge that joins the jaw with temporal bones of the skull located just in front of the ear. The group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in this joint and the attached muscles is commonly called “TMJ”, but is technically known as TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. Many people don’t realize that chiropractic care can help with TMJ treatment.
It is estimated that more than 35 million people in the United States suffer with some type of TMJ disorder, and it appears to be more common in women. In most cases, pain in the jaw joint or muscles does not mean there is a serious problem; however, that doesn’t mean you have to live with the pain and annoyance of this disorder.
Chiropractic care can assist your body in naturally healing and relieving the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder without using drugs or invasive procedures that can cause permanent changes in your bite or jaw.
If you are experiencing acute or chronic TMJ pain, contact us online at our Fort Collins office or call us at (970) 377-3557 to learn more about how we can help with TMJ disorder treatment.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Jaw: joint pain, muscle pain, clicking, popping, grating, locking of the jaw, crackling, tenderness, stiffness, limited movement
- Mouth: toothache, difficulty chewing and/or swallowing, speech impediment, breathing problems, bite feels “off”
- Ear: ear pain, pressure, ringing (tinnitus), fullness
- Face/head: muscle spasms, difficulty with facial expressions, headaches or migraines, shoulder and/or neck pain, dizziness, vision problems
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TMJ Disorder
Multiple Causes of TMJ Disorder
There can be multiple causes of TMJ disorder, adding to the complexity of this issue. And there are cases where no obvious cause can be found. Some known causes are:
- Joint Misalignment
- Teeth Clenching Or Grinding
- Poor Posture
- Injuries
- Autoimmune Diseases (In Which The Body’s Immune Cells Attack Healthy Tissue)
- Infections
- Dental Procedures (Even Prolonged Mouth Opening)
- Breathing Tube Inserted For Surgery
Environmental Factors
In addition, there are genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that can increase the risk for TMJ disorder.
There is a particular pain sensitivity gene found more commonly among these sufferers. Female sex hormones, particularly estrogen, may play a role in the observation that TMJ problems are more prevalent among women of childbearing age.
Environmental factors may also contribute to TMJ disorder, such as habitual gum chewing or sustained jaw positions like resting a phone on your shoulder. Singers and musicians (such as violinists) might also be susceptible to these issues due to the positioning of the head and neck to hold the instrument or the way it stretches the jaw.
Chiropractic TMJ Treatment
If you suffer from TMJ disorder, you do not have to resort to drugs with dangerous side effects, surgery, or irreversible procedures that actually change the function of the jaw and may make the problems even worse. An effective way to seek TMJ treatment in Fort Collins is to visit Heart & Hand Chiropractic.
We can analyze your health history, examine your skeletal system, and provide recommendations to not merely relieve your symptoms, but to find and cure the root cause of your problem. Chiropractic adjustments align the joints and spine to relieve pressure on the nervous system to restore its proper function and restore the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Chiropractors also look beyond just the jaw and TMJ treatment to your overall lifestyle, because a total approach to health and wellness helps determine the best course of action for your care and a lifetime of better health.
FAQ’s
A: The most common causes of TMJ disorder include:
- Joint misalignment
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Poor posture
- Injuries
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Dental procedures
- Breathing tube inserted for surgery
A: Delaying TMJ treatment can lead to some serious jaw problems. It can also result in tinnitus and compromised hearing and vision.
Get In Touch With Us
If you have any questions about how we can get you out of pain or improve your overall quality of life, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (970) 377-3557.