In Dr. David's Words
The jaw is a big part of health issues today. The jaw is a very sensitive joint as several important nerves from the upper spinal nerves pass through or around it. This joint is also known as the TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ), and when there is inflammation in the TMJ disc, it develops TMJ disorder. There are various factors that may attribute to a problematic TMJ: stress, mood changes (ie. anxiety, depression, anger, etc.), grinding teeth, headaches, neck pain, eye pressure, sinus issues, allergies, and so on. Similarly, TMJ disorder can also cause these symptoms as well.
The TMJ is a J-shape joint and, ideally, it moves symmetrically when you open and close your mouth. If there is any deviation toward either side of the jaw, it increases the tension level in one or both sides of the joint and stimulates inflammation. To prevent this condition from worsening, the body tenses the jaw muscles to protect the afflicted area. This is why some people experience locking jaw or lockjaw with their TMJ symptoms.
For TMJ and lockjaw treatment, it is imperative to determine which side of the jaw is deviated, and in which direction, through x-ray analysis and precise chiropractic assessments. Then, it must be corrected by guiding the jaw bone back into the right position. Moreover, the upper neck (cervical) spine must be assessed and corrected as well as the upper cervical spinal nerves are closely related to the TMJ. Surprisingly, much of TMJ pain and lockjaw symptoms are alleviated by adjusting the upper neck spine – without even touching the jaw joint!
If you are suffering from TMJ symptoms and are seeking TMJ treatment, we are your solution! Located in the Kirkland and Redmond area, our chiropractor has helped many people find TMJ relief through chiropractic adjustments! Contact us to learn more today!
