I pride myself as a capable Brentwood, TN TMJ doctor. And I’ve grown very familiar with TMJ disorders, having seen them in my patients.  

The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is among the more complicated joints in the whole body. And because of that, it is susceptible to various disorders. An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from jaw pain disorders, and it is more common among women than men. 

If you’re one of those who are dealing with this condition, it is best to get to the root of the problem immediately. That said, this article I’m writing is mainly for you to gain more information about jaw pain disorders.  

After reading this, I hope you have a better understanding of this condition, to help you or a loved one deal with it better.  

Now, let’s get to the meat of the topic. Here are some must-know facts about TMJ disorders. 

Fact #1: Accidents aren’t the only cause of TMJ disorders. 

Accidents are one of the many causes of TMJ disorders. In other cases, it could be because of the jaw or joint problems. The exact cause, however, can be difficult to pinpoint.  

But whenever there is some form of discomfort in the jaw, several factors may be at play:  

• Muscles that control the jaw aren’t working correctly.
• The joint itself may have a problem, with either the disc or the connection between the two jaw bones interacting with each other.
• It could be an arthritis-related TMJ disorder, which may cause inflammation of the joint.

Fact #2: Jaw problems don’t necessarily come with popping or clicking noises. 

One indicator of a jaw problem is when the jaw makes a popping or clicking sound. However, you can still have TMJ without these noises.  

The most common symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw tenderness, as well as neck and facial pain. The clicking and popping noises occur mainly when opening or closing the mouth.  

The jaw tends to lock or stiffen whenever there’s a problem. There may be changes with how the upper and lower teeth fit together in the mouth.  

There are other forms of discomfort like headaches, earaches, and difficulty chewing. 

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

Fact #3: Surgery should not be the immediate solution. 

It would be easy to resort to surgery as the solution to relieve yourself from TMJ pain. This mindset is most understandable for those who found no success in other forms of relief. Here are some of the non-invasive options that people usually try before resorting to surgery: 

• Pain medication: Doctors suggest anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce pain and swelling. 
• Bite guards: Some people grind their teeth at night, adding stress to the jaw and surrounding muscles. Bite guards help prevent teeth grinding. 
• Physical therapy: Physical therapists help patients stretch and exercise their jaw.

Most issues with the jaw are due to the location of the temporomandibular joints on either side of the face. They sit incredibly close to the ear and the uppermost vertebra in your spine, the atlas. It is the reason why TMJ issues have a connection with the neck. And if you’re a TMJ sufferer, that is also worth checking.

How TMJ Disorders Are Related to Neck Issues  

Because of how closely the TMJ is to the neck, issues with the latter may easily cause disorders to arise. Any misalignment of the uppermost bone (called the atlas) can lead to a TMJ disorder.  

If the atlas moves out of its correct position, it may cause TMJ pain. The misalignment may affect the natural resting position of the jaw, leading to discomfort, muscle tension, locking, and other symptoms of TMJ disorders.  

A vertebral misalignment at the top of the spine can cause unequal muscle tension on both sides of the face. There may be more or less pulling on one side versus the other, which will influence how the jaw functions. As a result, it may cause abnormal movements.  

Nerve problems may also arise. Since the atlas encircles the brainstem to act as protection, misalignments may irritate the nerves. This irritation may then cause the improper sending of signals, leading to the abnormal functioning of the TMJ.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for TMJ Disorders 

Now that you know the connection between the neck and TMJ disorders, one effective form of treatment can be upper cervical chiropractic care.  

If you aren’t familiar with this procedure, it uses a gentle yet precise method to bring the atlas back into alignment. Unlike traditional chiropractic methods, upper cervical chiropractic care does not use any popping or cracking techniques.  

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a service I provide here in my clinic, Precision Spine Specialists. And I’m proud to say that I’ve received mostly positive feedback from satisfied clients. 

If you want a Brentwood, TN TMJ doctor you can trust, my clinic’s doors are open for you. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, you may call me at (615) 778-0887, or fill out our contact form.

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