TMJ Specialist

What is TMJ?

TMJ is often used as an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint disorders. You may also see this called TMD. This group of disorders involves dysfunction and pain in the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, which is the TMJ.

You can feel these joints move if you place your fingers in front of your ears on either side of your face and open and close your mouth. Pain, tenderness, and swelling in this area may be signs of a TMJ disorder.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

The most common TMJ symptom is pain in the jaw and the muscles that control jaw movement. Other signs and symptoms of TMJ include:

• Jaw pain and tenderness
• Pain or difficulty while chewing
• Aching pain around the ear
• Facial pain or discomfort
• Clicking, popping, or locking of the joint

Severe TMJ disorders can make it difficult or impossible to open or close your mouth. This can prevent you from performing essential activities, like eating and talking.

How can chiropractors help with TMJ?

Chiropractic focuses on realigning your bones and muscles to relieve pain and improve function. Dr. Hoyt and the team at Casa Grande Chiropractic gently adjust the bones in your neck and skull to correct dysfunction in the TMJ. These chiropractic adjustments release muscle tension and reduce pressure on nerves that may be causing your TMJ pain.

In addition to manual adjustments, Dr. Hoyt and his team may use a handheld instrument to apply gentle, controlled pressure to specific locations around your TMJ. They may also apply manual pressure to areas of muscle spasm (trigger points) to relieve pain.

How effective is chiropractic for treating TMJ?

Though many people experience immediate TMJ relief after their first chiropractic treatment, ongoing care is usually necessary to achieve lasting improvement. 

To experience safe and effective relief from TMJ disorders, call Casa Grande Chiropractic or request an appointment online today.