How Upper Neck Misalignments Are Related To TMJ Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joints, TMJ, are the lower jaw hinges that sit on either side of the
head in front of each ear. They are responsible for the
How Upper Neck Misalignments Are Related To TMJ Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joints, TMJ, are the lower jaw hinges that sit on either side of the
head in front of each ear. They are responsible for the lower jaw opening, closing, sliding, and rotating. The TMJs are the most body’s most complex joints. The typical person uses them more than 5,000 times a day by talking, laughing, yawning, chewing, eating, smiling, and swallowing.
What is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction occurs when one or both joints become inflamed or injured causing pain and immobility in the jaw area. Because these joints are used so often and tend to be far more mobile than most other joints in the body, they can be prone to pain.
It is important that both joints work together because if they don’t it could result in more pressure on one joint than the other and this could cause the pain and discomfort that is associated with TMJ dysfunction.
What are the symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction?
There are many symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and they may vary depending on the patient, the extent of inflammation or injury, and the cause of the dysfunction. The symptoms may appear suddenly when there is injury to the joint, or they can gradually develop over a period of months or even years. They may be mild and barely noticeable or they can be severe and debilitating. The most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:
Jaw pain when moving the joint such as chewing or talking
Popping or clicking of the joint
Pain in the face or side of the neck
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
TMJ dysfunction can significantly impact a person’s quality of life because the pain prevents them from doing many things they normally do, and often the jaw itself simply no longer functions as it should.
What causes TMJ Dysfunction?
Damage to the joint is the primary cause of pain associated with TMJ dysfunction. This can be the result of trauma such as:
Getting punched or hit
Slip and fall accident
Subtle movements done repetitively can also cause TMJ dysfunction:
Holding a phone between the head and shoulder
Gum chewing (excessive)
Eating hard or tough foods
How can upper neck misalignment cause TMJ dysfunction?
When the upper neck sustains trauma such as whiplash it can cause a misalignment. This can also cause TMJ dysfunction in a couple of ways. It can cause one side to work harder or sustain more pressure than the other, or it can put excess pressure on the trigeminal nerve.
This causes irritation and inflammation.
When left untreated, the condition can become severe. The misalignment keeps the joints from working as they should because opening and closing the jaw pinches the disc. This results in painful spasms in the shoulder and neck muscles when the patient does simple, everyday activities like talking, smiling, eating, or laughing.
Chiropractic for TMJ dysfunction
Chiropractic can be a very effective treatment for TMJ dysfunction, especially if it is due to neck misalignment. A chiropractor will perform spinal adjustments in order to realign the spine and neck, bringing the body back into balance. This will allow the jaw to work as it should, minimizing rubbing or friction in the joint.
The patient may also be told to apply heat, apply ice, massage,