Treatment for Jaw Pain & TMJ Pain

One of the most common conditions I co-manage and treat is Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), also referred to as TMJ, which stands for Temporomandibular Joint. In some instances, there seems to be a bit of confusion on the topic, so I'd like to dedicate this post to clear the air, so to speak. We're going to review the following:

• What are the symptoms of TMJ/TMD?

• What is TMJ/TMD?

• What causes TMJ/TMD?

• How is TMJ/TMD treated?

First, as mentioned above, TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. Our first point of clarification, TMJ is NOT the condition, but the actual anatomy. The condition is referred to as Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD). TMD is the most common condition that affects the TMJ ... make sense? For accuracy and totality, the correct abbreviation would be TMJD, for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. Whew! Now that that's out of the way, let's dig in! 1. What are the symptoms of TMJ/TMD? This condition is so much more than just "Jaw Pain", or "jaw pain on one side." In actuality, TMJD is frequently associated with :

• headaches

• migraines

• ear pain

• neck pain

In some extreme cases, the pain become so severe that it can feel stabbing or electric, as in the case with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). As I've treated patients with TN, I can tell you, this is one of the worst pains you can imagine ...

2. What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)? Let's speak in plain English terms: the TMJ is your jaw joint. You know the jaw ... you kind of need it for just about everything important these days, like talking, eating, and, in incorrect fashion, breathing. We move our jaw joint a lot, and as I'm sure you're thinking, some move it more than others!

3. What causes TMJ/TMD? Unfortunately, this is quite a bit more complex than it seems. While the pain you may be experiencing is in, or around, the jaw/jaw joint, the actual cause may be located elsewhere. When evaluating TMJ pain, it is important to evaluate all possible sources for their potential involvement. For example, TMJD and pain can be caused by:

• abnormal motion of the jaw

• tmj disc irritation

• dental abnormalities

• abnormal jaw muscle tightness

• forward head posture

• atlas displacement

You might be looking at that list thinking, "Is this guy a chiropractor or a dentist?" While I am NOT a dentist, I have strong working relationships with local dental professionals (general and specialty dentistry alike), so that when it becomes apparent that our upper cervical chiropractic services have reached their maximum potential, I'm able to make the best decision for the patient and refer them to another physician who can take the reins and get further results. The future of healthcare is co-management, and we should not let anyone in healthcare tell us differently. If your chosen physician is not about this or not well-networked outside of their chosen specialty, you may need to start looking elsewhere. Reaching your healthcare goals needs to be the priority, which may often mean you need a consulting provider.

4. How is TMJ/TMD treated? Common treatments for TMJ pain include:

• anti-inflammatory medication

• neurotonin for reducing nerve activity

• manual manipulations of the jaw

• dental correction, through braces or mouthguards

• maxillofacial surgery

I could practically feel you wince at the thought of paying for the procedures and treatments listed above. In some cases, these treatments are absolutely necessary. However, in many situations, they may not be required. It's important to note that the cause of TMJ pain and dysfunction can sometimes originate from your neck, particularly the upper cervical spine.

The upper cervical spine, commonly referred to as the upper neck, plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of the jaw, as it is closely linked to various vital structures that facilitate jaw movement. When a displacement of the Atlas occurs, the first cervical vertebra at the top of the spine can lead to a range of structural and neurological implications. This misalignment can manifest as nerve pain or the unsettling sounds of clicking and popping when the jaw moves.

From a neurological perspective, an Atlas Displacement can disrupt the nervous system in a particularly sensitive region known as the Trigeminal Nucleus. This area is essential for relaying messages to the muscles that control jaw movements, as well as for transmitting sensory information, including pain signals, from the head and neck. When this communication is impaired, it can trigger a cascade of issues, affecting both movement and sensation.

A misaligned Atlas can significantly affect how the head sits atop the neck. This misalignment may lead to problematic postures, such as forward head posture or an obvious head tilt. These changes in alignment can worsen issues like jaw clicking or jaw popping, as the dynamic relationship between the neck and jaw becomes compromised. Understanding these connections highlights the importance of maintaining proper alignment in the upper cervical spine to ensure the overall health of both the jaw and surrounding structures.

By correcting an Atlas alignment, the nerves can function optimally, allowing for restored sensation and movement in the jaw. Additionally, proper alignment helps the head sit correctly over the neck, facilitating normal structural motion between the head and neck. We will talk about strengthening the surrounding muscles in a later post! Ok. That's all for now, I think we've covered many bases in today's post. If you or a loved one are struggling with problems from TMJD, there's a good chance that our technique approach may be able to help, and know that you’re not alone. At Keystone Spine Clinic, we offer clinically proven, natural relief that truly makes a difference. Imagine living with less pain and greater comfort—this fuels our daily commitment to our patients. Together, let's explore personalized solutions to enhance your quality of life. Curious to find out how we can assist you? Learn more about The Keystone Difference.

Perhaps you are ready to begin your journey to lasting relief. Schedule a Complimentary Phone Consultation with our doctor today to discuss your unique needs; we hope to be the solution you've been seeking. Whether you live in the greater Charlotte area or beyond, the Keystone Team is ready to help. Explore our Out-of-Town Client Options for those living outside North Carolina.

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This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that we might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.

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