TMJ

image of man in pain pressing his fingers against his jaw

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Up to 10 million people suffer from painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Symptoms include pain in the face and neck, locked jaw or limited jaw movement, painful clicking when moving the mouth, dizziness, difficulty chewing or swallowing and a change in the way the teeth fit together. TMD is about four times more common in women than men.

Causes

TMD has many causes, some physical, some emotional. A jaw injury, such as one caused by a car accident or being hit hard by a ball, can lead to TMD. Degenerative joint disease is another leading physical cause of TMD.

Emotional stress can cause behaviors that lead to TMD, such as clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth.

Conventional Treatment

You can manage TMD through medications or lifestyle interventions. Your doctor may recommend muscle relaxants or pain relievers. Certain types of antidepressants also relieve pain. If you clench your teeth at night, aggravating your TMD pain, your doctor might prescribe a sedative. These medications bring along a variety of side effects.

Other interventions don’t require drugs. Rest your jaws by eating soup or soft food. Avoid chewing gum. Firm or soft bite guards sometimes relieve pain, and keep you from grinding your teeth at night. Ice packs or moist heat can help. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles.

If stress and anxiety are the cause of your TMD, try relaxation techniques. Mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, biofeedback, talking to a counselor or massage might help.

In extreme cases, some doctors recommend surgery to repair this joint.

Chiropractic Care and TMJ

Some patients with TMD find relief through chiropractic care. A chiropractor can manipulate your neck and jaw to improve alignment and relax muscle tension. Many chiropractors will also recommend special exercises, hot and cold treatment and other non-pharmaceutical interventions. Your chiropractor might team up with your dentist to provide the best care.

If you’re suffering from TMD, call us today so we can help ease your jaw pain.

Please contact us if you are interested in Chiropractic care.

Sign-up using the form or call us at (207) 772-1031

Office Hours

Nova Chiropractic

Monday:

8:30 AM-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

11:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

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Friday:

7:30 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

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Sunday:

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Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Dr. Heidi is not only friendly but knowledgeable about Chiropractic care. She takes a holistic approach to finding relief for patient's aches and pains. Her hands on manipulations helped me find relief from my constant back pain. She also provides value with great tips on posture, breathing, and stretching."
    Lauren R./Google
  • "The entire team at Nova Chiropractic are top notch!!"
    Nikkisue F./Facebook
  • "Dr Heidi is the only thing that keeps me moving.
    I would not be able to do construction at my age with this body if not for her."
    Chuck M./Google
  • "Friendly and caring environment... Dr. Heidi's adjustments and advice are on point and I made significant improvements after my accident."
    Troy M./Google
  • "Everyone in this office is fantastic!!! A great group of people!"
    Jeanne D.

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