Chiropractic and jaw (TMJ syndrome)/ facial pain

TMJ stands for Temporo Mandibular joint or the temporomandibular joint. Every person has two TMJ,s ( one for each ear) that connect the lower jaw to the skull. These joints make it possible for the jaw to move up and down, side to side and front to side to move behind.  They are responsible for the mobility required for biting, chewing and swallowing food. And of course also for talking and making facial expressions. The TMJ joint is therefore the most commonly used joint in the body.

Causes of jaw problems

The cause of jaw problems (TMJ syndrome) is often the repeated overloading of the temporomandibular joint such as biting hard or grinding teeth while sleeping. Also an injury due to, for example, a fall or an accident can be a cause of complaints. This will come through a blow to the jaw. Also a whiplash, resulting in a strain on the temporomandibular joint may be the cause. Then of course there are also the dental causes such as  teeth that do not fit good together or a bracket that is not properly adjusted.

Irritation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) causes a muscle reaction in which they tighten muscle groups of the jaw and cause a tense feeling. This has like as a result, parts of the facial nerve (trigeminal nerve) are put under pressure.

Symptoms
Characteristic in pain around the temporomandibular joint and pain in the face. This can be pain too, feeling is above or below the eye and along the jaw. Often this pain also continues to the lip. The pain can be persistent and usually very intense, sometimes even with shooting pain. These complaints are not uncommon for headaches above the eye and during sleep. Another symptom is that the jaw makes a kind of “cracking “ sound when opening and closing of the mouth.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic is a medicine that has been around for more than 100 years. Treatment focuses on disorders in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and the relationship with the nervous system. A chiropractor checks the spine for blockages. Through a thorough investigation and targeted treatment, the chiropractor  locates and corrects these  blockages, because of this the flow of nerves is restored and the body can heal itself again.

The first visit

• Intake                        
  A patient questionnaire is filled in followed by a discussion with the chiropractor in order to establish a thorough case history.
• Examination              
  Chiropractic tests
  Neurological test
  Orthopaedic test
• X-ray, MRI, IDXA          
  Whichever is indicated necessary
• Diagnosis                       
  Given by the Chiropractor
• Treatment                     
  Nearly always already on the first visit

The chiropractic treatment

With his specialist knowledge and skills, the chiropractor examines the spine and the nervous system to locate unnatural movements and blockages. With jaw problems (TMJ syndrome), the chiropractor studies the function on the jaw. How far can the mouth open and what is the symmetry of the jaw movement? He also looks at the hardness of the muscle groups and the mobility of the temporomandibular joint. This way he finds out the cause of the deviation. Chiropractic treatments and jaw problems and facial pain are often good to remedy.

The treatments mainly focus on the correction of the temporomandibular joint and the treatment of the muscle groups around it. This restores its mobility and reduces pressure on the nerve. Often, therefore, the cervical spine (neck) treated. Chiropractic treatments aim to improve the mobility of the spine and joints and improve the function of the irritated nerves to recover. This is done by putting pressure on the joint with the hands. This restores  freedom of movement of the joint and reduces pain. If desired treatment result has been achieved, the chiropractor will recommend that you return regularly for control treatments. By properly maintaining the spine and joints, this reduces the risk of recurrence and maintains optimal freedom of movement for the patient.

The most frequently asked questions

Why is a chiropractor also called a ‘cracker’?
During chiropractic treatment the chiropractor puts pressure on the joint. Hereby correction sometimes the patient hears a “ cracking sound”.  This crack is the result of one air bubble formation in the joint, which is caused by the pressure placed on the joint, released and thus causes the sound. It has nothing to do with bones overlapping each other chafing or tires that break.

Why do I have to come back when I feel well?
You can also ask the question, “why do I have to go to the dentist for checkups, too if I don’t have toothache?” by checking and optimizing the spine, you feel a lot smoother and fitter and you can avoid complaints.

Avoid pain

• Never sleep on your stomach, the neck and jaw are under great stress.
• Do not sleep on a thick pillow, rather use an orthopedic neck pillow.
• Do not bite hard products.
• Never support the head with your hands, this will put extra pressure on the jaw.
• Never watch television lying down, reading in a lying position is also not recommended

Finally
Consult a chiropractor regularly because of chiropractic examination and the follow-up based treatment helps keep the temporomandibular joint supple and prevent pain.

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