Aching jaw – What’s the score?

An aching jaw is extremely common and can happen for a number of reasons.

Usually, this includes:

• Stress
• Jaw clenching
• Teeth grinding whilst asleep or awake
• Neck injuries such as whiplash
• Injury to the area
• Nail biting
• Infection
• Arthritis

Symptoms can include:

• Jaw or TMJ pain and soreness
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Dental issues
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Ear pain
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• Stiffness in the area
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (hearing noises that are not caused by sounds coming from the outside world)

What is TMJ?

When it comes to pain in the jaw, you will often hear the term “TMJ” used to describe the condition.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), more commonly known as TMJ is a term that covers all acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – this joint connects your jaw to your skull. It refers to a wide variety of conditions that affect muscles, joints, and facial nerves.

The jaw joint can be found on either side of the head and connects the lower jawbone to the temporal bones of the skull on each side of the head. The muscles controlling these joints allow the jaw to move.

TMJ conditions typically fall into three main categories:

1. Myofascial pain – Discomfort and soreness in the muscles responsible for jaw function
2. Internal Derangement – Displaced discs, injuries, or a dislocation
3. Arthritis – Inflammatory or degenerative joint disorders that impact on the temporomandibular joint in the jaw

Will seeing a Chiropractor help with TMJ?

The good news is yes, your Chiropractor will loosen up the jaw, and surrounding muscles which will help reduce the pain, stiffness and soreness associated with this condition.

How do I know if I have this condition?

If you are unsure ask yourself these questions first before making an appointment with your Chiropractor.

1. Do, I hear a clicking or popping sound when I move my mouth?
2. Do I wake up in the morning with jaw pain, soreness, or stiffness?
3. Does my chin move to one side when I open or close my mouth?
4. Do my upper and lower teeth not fit together?
5. Do I have limited movement in the area?
6. Do I get dizziness or earaches quite often?

What will happen at my appointment?

After a thorough examination, your Chiropractor will tailor the best course of treatment needed to treat your condition.

TMJ adjustments are very gentle. Depending on the type of misalignment, your Chiropractor may use a few different techniques which may include:

• Neck adjustments
• Deep tissue massage of the involved muscles
• Activator adjustment to the TMJ using a handheld, spring-loaded instrument
• Exercises to strengthen the misaligned joint.

You will find these techniques are quick, comfortable, and effective, and will finally help you get rid of all the symptoms and issues that relate to this condition

If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or luton@healesclinics.com.