The facts

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Jaw pain is more common than you think. It affects 90% of people over their lifetime.

 

The jaw is often referred to as the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short. It's a unique joint that rotates and spins like a knee. It moves down and away so that you can open your jaw. Because of this, imbalances can happen.

 

Some causes of jaw issues may include:

 

• Trauma

• Grinding/clenching teeth

• Poor dental occlusion (teeth don't line up)

• Whiplash injuries (e.g. car crash)

• Muscle imbalances

• Joint issues.

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Symptoms of jaw pain

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The symptoms of a TMJ complaint can be varied, and may be related to other conditions. If you're concerned, see a healthcare provider (e.g. chiropractor, doctor, dentist or physio).

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The symptoms of jaw pain may include some of the following:

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• Headaches 

• Locking jaw (won't open or close)

• Ear pain

• Noise on opening or closing of jaw

• Pain on opening or closing of jaw

• Tinnitus (ringing in hears) or vertigo (dizziness)

• Stiffness in neck

• Pain with chewing.

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Treatment of TMJ dysfunction (known as TMD)

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TMD can be caused by multiple different things. Therefore, the first stage of treatment is to determine the cause of the disorder.

 

Chiropractic treatment may help with TMD. However, the diagnosis will govern the treatment regime and the types of practitioners that will need to be involved.

 

If you're experiencing jaw pain, contact your local Ascot Vale chiropractor or your dentist, physiotherapist or doctor for more information or assessment.

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References:

1. Souza T. Differential diagnosis and management for the chiropractor, Protocols and algorithms, Fourth edition.  Jones and Bartlett Publishing 2009

2. Web MD. www.https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd#1

3. TMJ association www.tmj.org

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