Most of the time, when we here the term "TMJ" we think of a jaw problem or jaw pain.  TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint – the joints that connect the lower part of your jaw (the mandible) with the temporal bone of the skull.  These joints are positioned just in front of each ear. The jaw is designed to give us the ability to chew, talk, and yawn by moving up and down and from side to side.  Muscles that attach to the jaw itself and the surrounding areas control its positions.

The TMJ itself is a complicated and unique joint for several reasons:

• There are actually two joints (one on each side of your head) but the jaw functions as a single unit.  It isn't possible to only use one side of your jaw – the two sides must work together.
• The jaw combines two different movements – hinging (to open and shut the mouth) and gliding (to shift left and right).
• The jaw has an articular disc to keep movement smooth.  This soft disc sits in between the condyle of the mandible and the temporal bone.  

When the jaw becomes painful or doesn't move properly it can indicate dysfunction of the TMJ, also called TMJD.  The causes of TMJD are varied and can include trauma to the joint (such as a blow to the side of the head from a car or sports accident), muscle imbalance, or pain can begin for seemingly no reason at all.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and TMJ, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Four Main Signs & Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder

1. Joint noises – sounds from the temporomandibular joint can be described as clicking, popping, or grating.  Clicking usually occurs when the jaw opens and/or closes and may be due to a temporary displacement of the articular disc.  Grinding often happens when the jaw moves laterally from side to side. Just because you may hear noise coming from your jaw does not necessarily indicate an underlying problem.  Many people experience occasional pain-free clicking of the jaw, but when the jaw makes noise in conjunction with pain or discomfort, TMJD may be present.
2. Jaw pain – TMJ pain can originate from the joint itself, from the muscles that attach to the jaw to control its movement, or both.  Pain in the jaw joints themselves can be due to arthritis or degenerative changes. When the muscles that control the jaw cause pain, it may be associated with clenching or grinding of the teeth.
3. Referred pain – most people with TMJ dysfunction experience some type of referred pain, most commonly in the forms of headache, earache, toothache, or neck pain.  The jaw is located in very close proximity to the ear and to the upper part of your spine where it forms a junction with your skull. TMJD sufferers may also complain of aching facial pain or pain over the temples.
4. Limited movement – in someone with TMJD, the jaw might have a restricted range of motion (I.e. not being able to open your mouth fully), or it might deviate to one side when opening and closing.  This might make it difficult to chew your food, yawn, or even talk. In some of the most severe cases, the jaw might lock entirely if the articular disc becomes displaced and isn't able to slide back into its normal alignment.

TMJD Sufferers Find Relief by Correcting Neck Problems

For some lucky people, jaw pain will resolve after a brief period of time with simple measures like applying ice or avoiding difficult-to-chew foods.  Even in those cases, TMJ issues tend to recur, making it wise to get to the underlying cause of the problem. An often-overlooked cause of jaw pain and TMJD is a misalignment of the uppermost vertebrae in the neck.  The way your atlas is positioned can influence the resting position of the jaw as well as how the muscles that control jaw movement work. This makes sense given that some of the most commonly reported symptoms of TMJD include neck pain, headaches, and facial pain in addition to discomfort in the jaw.

Part of what makes Precision Spine Specialists unique is our focus on upper cervical chiropractic care.  We are among a small percentage of chiropractic practices that pays particular attention to the alignment of the head and neck and how it influences the body's ability to function normally.  Because the atlas sits so close to the TMJ, the ear, and other important nerves and blood vessels, it can cause major issues when it is forced out of alignment by either injury or wear and tear over time.

When a misalignment happens in this important area of the spine, precision adjustments are the key to obtaining the best possible results.  NUCCA, the upper cervical chiropractic technique that we use, lets us customize adjustments for each individual patient we see. Because of this attention to detail, we are able to deliver gentle, accurate adjustments and have measurable changes immediately afterward.  Once the spine is in alignment, balance can be restored, and normal function can return naturally. Our TMJD patients report that not only do their jaws work and feel better, but many of their other associated symptoms also resolve under our care.

References:

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/TMJ/TMJDisorders.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hall, call our Brentwood office at 615-488-7891 or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com