How can a chiropractor help with TMJ Adjustment

As a specialized healthcare professional, I always encourage holistic medicine. Sometimes, because of some myths and misconceptions, people associate medical care solely with traditional medicine and surgery, but it’s important to recognize that health encompasses a broader paradigm. Chiropracty is one approach that can cure many bone-related diseases. If you wonder can a chiropractor help with TMJ adjustment then the answer is absolute yes. In this article I will answer how can a chiropractor help with TMJ adjustment.

How Can a chiropractor help with TMJ

Because chiropracty focuses on the musculoskeletal system, they are trained in diagnosing and treating issues related to the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. Chiropractic care for TMJ has now become popular because of its instant results. To understand can a chiropractor help with TMJ? You need to understand what is TMJ misalignment and what are the symptoms of TMJ adjustment.

chiropractor help with TMJ

Who Need TMJ Adjustment?

Firstly, understand which people require tmj adjustment. If a person has the following symptoms, then he requires tmj adjustment. A chiropractor for tmj adjustment is the noninvasive and natural approach to curing the following symptoms such as pain, unusual sound, difficulty while eating.

Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

  • Jaw pain 

If a person frequently experiences discomfort or pain in their jaw joint, there is may mobility dysfunction or locking.  The patient experiences jaw pain while opening or closing the mouth. Patients experience problems while taking big bites. They may benefit from different TMJ chiropractic adjustment techniques.  Chiropractors can evaluate the alignment of the jaw and make the necessary adjustments to alleviate pain.

  • Clicking or popping sounds

Individuals who feel clicking or popping sounds when they open or close their mouths are showing signs of misalignments of the jaw joint. Chiropractic for tmj misalignment can help realign the joint in the right position and reduce clicking and popping sounds.

  • Limited jaw movement

If a person experiences locking of the jaw or difficulty fully opening or closing their mouth, this sign may indicate a TMJ disorder. Chiropractic for TMJ adjustments to improve the range of motion in the jaw joint

  • Headaches

Sometimes TMJ disorders can lead to headaches, especially if the pain originates from the temple bone or around the ears.  A chiropractic jaw adjustment can help relieve these headaches by addressing the underlying misalignments.

  • Neck and shoulder pain

Misalignments in the jaw joint can lead to referred pain in the neck and shoulders. A TMJ chiropractic adjustment aims to restore proper alignment, reducing pain in the surrounding areas.

  • Facial pain and swelling

Due to misalignment of the joint, TMJ can irritate the nerve and cause facial pain and swelling, making it uncomfortable to chew or speak. A TMJ chiropractic adjustment can help relieve these symptoms by jaw adjustment. For more information, read full information on how chiropractors can help with pinched nerve

  • Grinding or clenching of teeth

Some people have the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth; this habit is known as bruxism.  A TMJ chiropractic adjustment can address the underlying causes of bruxism and help relieve the associated symptoms.

How to do chiropractor for TMJ

In chiropracty there are so many techniques for TMJ adjustment. It is always advised that you never try any of the chiropractic techniques by yourself and always seek a professional chiropractor.  

Chiropractic Jaw Adjustment Techniques

1- Manual Jaw Manipulation in Chiropracty

In this technique, the chiropractor places both hands on the patient’s jaw. The chiropractor asks the patient to slightly open his mouth in a relaxed position. The chiropractor applies gentle pressure with his hand. This technique is considered the safest TMJ chiropractic technique. 

2- Activator Method of chiropracty

This chiropractic for TMJ technique is done by using an activation instrument.  The patient slightly opens his mouth in his resting position. Then the chiropractor delivers a quick and gentle impulse using the activator instrument. The pressure of the instrument is controlled and focused on the targeted area of the temporomandibular joint. It is very important that a TMJ chiropractor should apply the pressure with precaution. 

3- Gonstead Technique of Tmj chiropractic adjustment

 In this technique, the TMJ chiropractor places his finger on the targeted area of the jaw and supports his head with the other hand. The patient slightly opens his mouth in a relaxed position. A chiropractor applies thrust pressure to the targeted area. This jaw adjustment should be done with precaution by a specialized TMJ chiropractor. 

4- Thomas technique of chiropracty

In this technique, the TMJ chiropractor places his hand on the patient’s head and places his fingers on specific areas of the jaw joint. For TMJ adjustments, the chiropractor stands or sits facing the patient, ensuring his body is fully aligned to apply pressure effectively. On a special table, the patient lies face down with his head and jaw in a relaxed position. During the adjustment, the tmj chiropractic adjustment applies gentle pressure to the jaw joint while simultaneously releasing a section of the table, creating a drop. This precisely controlled pressure, which is synchronized with the table’s aids, is used in the adjustment process.

FAQs

Q1: What are the common symptoms that may indicate a need for TMJ adjustment?

Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, limited jaw movement, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, facial pain and swelling, and teeth grinding (bruxism).

Q2: How can a chiropractor help with TMJ issues?

Chiropractors use various techniques, such as manual jaw manipulation, the Activator method, Gonstead technique, and the Thomas technique, to perform TMJ adjustments. These techniques aim to realign the jaw joint and alleviate TMJ-related symptoms.

Q3: Is it safe to attempt TMJ adjustments at home?

No, it is not safe to attempt TMJ adjustments at home. TMJ adjustments should only be performed by a professional chiropractor to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Q4: Are there risks associated with chiropractic TMJ adjustments?

Yes, there are risks, including potential injury and strokes resulting from neck manipulation. It is essential to consult an expert chiropractor for TMJ adjustments and avoid attempting these techniques at home.

Conclusion

It is very important to monitor your signs and symptoms. Chiropractic adjustment carries some risks, including potential injury and strokes resulting from neck manipulation. Learn how chiropractic hurtThese above chiropracty techniques are all useful for jaw adjustment. If you experience any symptoms related to the TMJ joint, you should consult an expert chiropractor for a TMJ adjustment. Do not try any techniques at home. 

It is important to verify that a TMJ chiropractor should be certified in chiropractic. To find the best chiropractor in the United States, you can contact me.

Author

  • Dr Khadija

    DPT | MS Pain Management | Intra-articular Injec Specialist | Acupuncturist | Cupping Therapist | Oncology Pain Specialist | Certified Chiropractor 🇬🇧 | Medical Writer | Author