At Pro-Holistic Care in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, IL, we often get asked whether we can help with TMJ problems. The answer to that question is yes. To understand how we can help, let’s first talk about the TMJ. TMJ pain and TMJ problems are something you may have heard about because TMJ Dysfunction is pretty standard. However, many people are unsure of what precisely the TMJ is, and if it is the source of their pain. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is a sliding hinge joint that connects the lower jawbone with the skull. Everyone has two TMJ joints, one on each side of the face near the ear. The TMJ is essential as it is the main joint that allows us to chew our food, talk, yawn, and open and close our mouths. Pain or dysfunction in the TMJ can interfere with many activities of daily living.
Some symptoms of TMJ pain and dysfunction are the following.
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around the ear
- Difficulty with chewing or pain while chewing
- Aching pain in the face
- Joint locking, making it hard to open or close your mouth
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Eye pain
- Tooth pain that occurs along with jaw tenderness
- Clicking or popping of the joint
The TMJ has a relatively complex structure. This complex structure means several areas can be sources of pain and dysfunction. The two bones that are part of the TMJ joint are the lower jawbone, the mandible, and the temporal bone, which is part of the skull. The TMJ is located between these two bones. The joint is also composed of a fibrous disc that sits between the two bones, cushioning the joint and keeping the bones separated. Behind the disc is a synovial membrane that secretes fluid, keeping the joint lubricated and allowing smooth movement. This space behind the disc also has many nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. All of these structures are possible sources of pain and dysfunction. Three main ligaments stabilize the joint, and several muscles help the joint move and stabilize. Anytime you chew, open or close your mouth, or move your jaw side to side to chew or grind food, you are using the muscles of the TMJ.
The main muscles of the TMJ are as follows:
- Masseter – the largest of the TMJ muscles, primarily used for opening and closing the mouth and chewing.
- Temporalis – this muscle helps to lift the lower jawbone to close your mouth. This muscle helps crush and grind food between your molars.
- Medial pterygoid – This muscle also helps to lift the lower jawbone and moves the bone laterally.
- Lateral pterygoid – this muscle is shaped like a triangle and helps slide your jaw forward and move it side to side.
All of these structures help the TMJ hinge, rotate, and slide, which is very important for the things you need to do with your jaw. Without these structures, you could not chew, talk, or open and close your mouth.
$49 New Patient Special
Includes Consultation, Evaluation, X-rays if needed & Doctor’s report of findings
How Our Care Plan Works
1. Finally Be
Listened To
You know your body best, and we want to hear your story in detail. When you sit down with our doctors, we’ll take the time to listen, ask the right questions, and fully understand your health concerns so we can guide your care with confidence.
2. Understand Exactly What Your Problem Is
Our doctors perform a comprehensive evaluation of your health, which may include a physical exam, strength and stability testing, bloodwork, or x-rays. Whatever is needed, we’ll uncover the root cause and design a personalized plan to move you forward.
3. Get Back To A Happy, Healthy, Fun Life
Every patient receives a customized care plan designed to fit their unique needs. By combining the therapies best suited for you, we promote faster, more effective healing while providing a clear roadmap to correction and lasting success in your health.
How We Treat TMJ Dysfunction In Lincoln Square, IL
Studies show that several of the modalities chiropractors use are very effective at treating TMJ problems. Often, the cause of TMJ pain and dysfunction is multifactorial, including difficulties in one or more structures of the TMJ. Since chiropractors use multiple therapies that can address joint, muscle, and movement issues, they are uniquely positioned to deliver effective manual therapies that have shown very positive results for TMJ pain and dysfunction. Studies reported by the National Library of Medicine state: “Since TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) has a complex, multifactorial etiology, we used a multimodal approach, including manual mandibular therapy, cervical spinal manipulation, and soft-tissue therapies, with positive results. Manual mandibular therapy of the TMJ is regarded as the most effective treatment for alleviating pain and disability. A recent systematic review reported that chiropractic therapy targeting craniomandibular structures consistently improved measures of pain and MMO (maximum mouth opening).”
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
The first step in caring for your TMJ or dysfunction is to schedule a comprehensive consult and exam with Pro-Holistic Care. The doctors at Pro-Holistic Care will evaluate your specific TMJ issues and create a customized treatment plan to address those problems. At Pro-Holistic Care, we use well-researched, evidence-based, 100% natural therapeutic techniques to not only ease your pain but also correct the structural issues that cause temporomandibular joint pain.
The very first step in our process is a thorough intake and exam to understand precisely what your problem is and where it is coming from. You know your body the best. Our doctors will sit with you and actually listen to what’s been happening in your body, what may have occurred in the past that may be affecting the jaw, and learn what things the pain is limiting or preventing you from doing. We want to know your goals going forward and make sure we help you reach them. Our exam will focus on finding the root cause of the problem. There are some basic steps people can take to minimize jaw pain, including using ice, heat, and ibuprofen. However, if the root cause or source of pain is never identified, the pain will continue to happen and be an ever-present unwanted companion in your life.
At Pro-Holistic Care, we do not want to decrease or manage your symptoms simply. We want to find the root cause and correct the structural issue to the best of our abilities so you can live pain-free and with abundant energy. To identify the source of the problem, we will conduct a thorough exam, including assessing jaw and neck movement patterns and TMJ and neck alignment. Problems in the neck can cause or worsen TMJ problems. We will also check all the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the jaw and TMJ.
Custom Treatment Plan
Once we have determined the root cause of your temporomandibular joint pain or dysfunction, we will create a custom treatment plan that addresses all the specific issues we have identified in the TMJ and its surrounding structures. At Pro-Holistic Care, we use a variety of therapies in combination to help you get better as quickly as possible. We want to ensure we address every structure in the TMJ and jaw that needs attention and use the best, most efficient treatment options to fix the problem.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Lincoln Square, IL
We have several types of all-natural therapies that can help correct TMJ pain and dysfunction. One of our most essential tools is the chiropractic adjustment. We can very gently manipulate or adjust the TMJ joint to ensure it is optimally aligned for smooth, pain-free motion. TMJ joint adjustments are different from traditional back adjustments. These adjustments are more like a mobilization to position the bone in the joint properly. We will also check alignment in the cervical spine, aka the neck. Misalignments in the neck can irritate the nerves that supply the TMJ, leading to pain and dysfunction. Misalignments in the neck can also affect neck and jaw movement, leading to tension in the neck and jaw muscles. All of these issues can lead to jaw pain, headache, and eye pain, among other symptoms.
Acupuncture
We also utilize acupuncture and dry needling to address jaw pain and dysfunction. Studies have shown that chiropractic manipulation, Dry needling, or acupuncture can significantly reduce jaw pain. Dry needling and acupuncture help us address spasm and tension found in the musculature of the jaw and neck. Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in and around joints. In addition, we can use a soft-tissue therapy called gua sha to release tension in the jaw musculature.
Shockwave Therapy
Pro-Holistic Care also uses something called Shockwave therapy. This is a non-invasive therapy that uses high-energy acoustic waves to increase blood flow, reduce pain, and stimulate tissue regeneration and healing in injured or damaged tissue. Shockwave can be used on the TMJ to help reduce tension and spasm in the muscles surrounding the joint, decrease inflammation in the joint, and break up scar tissue around the joint, the disc, or the synovial membrane.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
In addition to the above-mentioned therapies, we will assess the neck’s health, as it plays a significant role in TMJ function. We will also create a set of custom exercises for you to do at home and in the office to improve mobility and function of the TMJ.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction in Lincoln Square, IL
Jaw Pain
The most common symptom of TMJ dysfunction is jaw pain. Pain in the area in front of the ear on the face, pain that radiates from the jaw down toward the chin, and pain or difficulty chewing or yawning all indicate that the TMJ may be the source of the pain. This pain can be coming from any one of the structures in the TMJ and surrounding musculature that we discussed above.
Popping and Clicking
Popping and clicking of the jaw are also signs of TMJ problems. The jaw can pop and click due to misalignment of the joint, problems with the disc, or muscle tension pulling on the joint. This clicking usually occurs while chewing or talking. In some severe cases, the jaw can actually lock. This is generally due to jaw misalignments, disc misalignment or damage, or taut muscles. Whether the jaw is clicking or locking, working on the alignment of the jaw and tension in the muscles using adjustments, dry needling, gua sha, and shockwave can relieve the jaw tension, improve alignment, and be very helpful in reducing or eliminating pain and clicking in the jaw, as well as restoring normal movement to the jaw.
Jaw Clenching
Another common sign of TMJ problems is jaw clenching. Stress, anxiety, extreme concentration, sleep problems, muscle tension, certain medications, alcohol, or caffeine use can all lead to jaw clenching. Eventually, jaw clenching will lead to pain in the TMJ and face, as well as disc issues and increased muscle tension. Headaches are also a common symptom of jaw clenching. Reducing stress, hydrating, and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can help reduce jaw clenching. In addition, treating jaw spasm or other symptoms, such as jaw clicking, that arise from clenching is essential to maintain TMJ health and improve pain levels and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pro-Holistic Care in Lincoln Square, IL help with TMJ?
Absolutely! At Pro-Holistic Care, we use a combination of different modalities to address the root cause of jaw pain. Once the source of the problem is found, our doctors will create a custom care plan to quickly and effectively treat your TMJ issues.
What causes TMJ to flare up?
Stress, anxiety, inflammation, jaw clenching, muscle tension, caffeine, and alcohol can all play a part in flare-ups of TMJ pain.
Can chiropractors crack jaws?
Chiropractors can gently adjust and mobilize the TMJ to restore proper alignment and mobility. A TMJ adjustment will not crack and pop like spinal adjustments. This adjustment feels more like a gentle mobilization of the bone within the joint.
What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
If left untreated, physical damage to the joint, disc, or synovial structures of the TMJ can worsen. This will lead to worsening pain, difficulty talking, difficulty chewing, and could eventually lead to the jaw locking.
Can you fix TMJ without surgery?
TMJ can be treated without surgery. In many cases, we can restore joint health and function without surgery. In some extreme cases, surgery may be required, but non-surgical options should be exhausted before considering jaw surgery.
$49 New Patient Special
Includes Consultation, Evaluation, X-rays if needed & Doctor’s report of findings
