What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ for short, is a disorder of the jaw joint. It is characterized by pain in the jaw joint which is aggravated by movement of the jaw and by chewing or yawning.
The TMJ region is located at the back of the head and the jaw. It includes the two bones of the jaw, the mandible (lower jaw) and the maxilla (upper jaw). Research has linked the onset of TMJ to a wide range of genetic, lifestyle and neurological factors. However, the most common causes are stress, overuse, trauma injuries and vertebral misalignments.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
The signs and symptoms of TMJ will vary depending on the patient's age, gender and previous medical history. The most common symptoms include pain in the jaw, clicking or popping noises in the jaw, difficulty chewing and/or jaw locking or dislocation.
Less common symptoms include headaches, earaches, fatigue and pain in the shoulders, neck and lower back. In some patients TMJ can cause a general feeling of stress, poor posture and poor sleeping patterns.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects TMJ
While it's often overlooked, the health and function of the upper cervical spine has a direct effect on the temporomandibular joint. The upper cervical spine helps to support the jaw in three ways: it helps to stabilize the joints in jaw; it helps to stabilize the head and neck and it helps to support proper alignment and posture along the upper back.
When the upper cervical spine is misaligned imbalances in the jaw, head, neck and back are often the result. Left untreated, these imbalances can cause dysfunction and repetitive stress injuries in the temporomandibular joint. This can lead to the development of TMJ and other jaw disorders.
How Our TMJ Treatment Works
The upper cervical chiropractic approach to treating TMJ focuses on correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine. The objective of the treatment is to improve joint mobility, relieve pain and restore healthy, painless function to the temporomandibular joint.
Dr. Shamloo uses advanced 3D imaging to scan the upper cervical spine and pinpoint the location, angle and severity of any misalignments.
Using this information, Dr. Shamloo can begin realigning the upper cervical spine. You can rest assured that we correct misalignments without twisting, pulling, or straining the spine.
After an adjustment, you’ll likely notice an immediate reduction in your TMJ symptoms. Depending on the severity of your misalignment it may take multiple treatments to greatly reduce your jaw pain and stabilize the area.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution to TMJ, please contact Upper Spine Knoxville for an appointment. Dr. Shamloo services patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls and Fountain City in Tennessee and the surrounding areas.
