TMJ
or Temporomandibular Joint disorder is the diagnosis given to a
mechanical dysfunction of one or both of the joints of the jaw. The TMJ
is located just in front of the ears. Because of this close proximity
to the ears, a patient with a TMJ problem may experience ear symptoms
such as hearing the joint pop, grind. or crack when mouth is opened and
closed.
When these joints are
healthy, they act as a
"shock absorber" for the jaw. When a misalignment or breakdown of
cartilage occurs in one or both of these joints, this cushioning effect
is reduced. Continued stress, especially from chewing, can cause
inflammation to the joint and soreness in the surrounding muscles.
These disturbances to normal function can result in localized jaw pain,
headache, earache, and possibly even dizziness.
TMJ
problems can originate from trauma to the jaw, holding the jaw open for
extended periods of time, uneven bite, imbalance in the bite from
excessive dental restoration or extraction, or from bruxism (grinding
the teeth, usually while sleeping.)
Your Doctor
of
Chiropractic can examine your jaw joint and help determine if soreness,
popping and clicking noises, or pain near the ear is coming from a TMJ
condition. X-rays, if needed, can help determine if there has been
damage or deterioration to the cartilage in the joint. In difficult
cases, a MRI may even be ordered to help determine the overall
integrity of the TMJ.
Treatment for TMJ
dysfunction can be
done with chiropractic manipulation to help restore the normal
alignment of the jaw. Supportive measures may additionally be needed in
some cases and could include applications of ice and moist heat,
massage of the jaw muscles to relieve jaw tension, acupressure,
stretching, and jaw muscle exercises. Nutritional supplements such as
calcium may be needed if a deficiency is suspected. The diet may also
need to be adjusted to decrease the stress to the jaw from chewing. At
night, a bite guard may need to be worn if bruxism
(involuntary
teeth grinding) is present.