The body is made up of countless joints that need to work together to provide people with the flexibility and range of motion they need to coordinate their limbs in space. People often overlooked the important joints that reside in the face, skull, and jaw. One of the most important joints is called the temporomandibular joint, which is often shortened to TMJ. If someone develops pain in this joint, this condition is also called TMJ. There are a few important points that people need to know when it comes to TMJ.
If someone has been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, this is called TMJ. TMJ refers to issues that someone might have with the temporomandibular joint. There are a few issues that might arise. For example, some people might have TMJ pain as part of their TMJ disorder.
In other cases, people might feel TMJ stiffness as part of their TMJ syndrome. Some people might even struggle to open up their mouth as far as they did in the past. Regardless of the reason, TMJ can be a serious issue for some people, which is why it is important for people to know how this condition develops.
There are a few possible causes of TMJ. Some of the most common causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction include:
Arthritis: Some people who have TMJ syndrome have arthritis that has damaged the cartilage that usually lives between the bony surfaces of the temporomandibular joint. If this happens, inflammation and pain develop in the jaw, leading to TMJ pain.
Teeth Grinding: Often called bruxism, grinding of the teeth can also lead to issues of the temporomandibular joint. The continuous pressure that is placed on the bones of the jaw can lead to pain and stiffness, causing TMJ disorder.
Alignment Issues: Finally, some people might have issues with the temporomandibular joint because of alignment problems with the jaw. If the bones of the jaw are not in the proper alignment, the temporomandibular joint is not going to work properly. This can lead to TMJ.
TMJ can present with a variety of symptoms; however, the most common symptom is pain. When people with TMJ try to move the temporomandibular joint, this is going to lead to pain. Some people with dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint might not be able to open their mouths as much as they could in the past. For this reason, it is important to address issues with the temporomandibular joint by seeing a TMJ doctor.
If someone sees a TMJ doctor, there are a few treatment options that are available. Some people might think that they are going to have to take prescription medications or even undergo surgery to fix this issue; however, this is not always the case.
Chiropractic care can also be helpful for those who have issues with the temporomandibular joint. A TMJ doctor will be able to take a look at the temporomandibular joint and see if the jaw is out of alignment. If there are issues with the temporomandibular joint, then a chiropractor can perform adjustments on the jaw and move the bones back into the proper alignment. Then, physical therapy can be used to strengthen the joint and provide TMJ relief. For this reason, a chiropractor is a great resource for those who are looking for TMJ treatment in Fort Wayne.
Issues with the jaw are serious which is why it is important for people to find TMJ relief. At North East Chiropractic Center, our offices are run by compassionate and experienced chiropractors who can provide the latest treatments to their patients. Our goal is to serve Fort Wayne, IN and its citizens, helping them with their healthcare needs.
A caring chiropractor will take the time to listen to the concerns of his or her patients, coming up with the treatment plan that has been tailored to their needs. To learn more about how we can help you, call us at (260) 245-0460 to make an appointment! We look forward to meeting you and your family!
Monday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Thursday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday 8:30am – 12:30pm
Sunday Closed
