At Sunrise Chiropractic in Tucson, we're not just concerned with treating back pain. Chiropractic care is a multi-disciplinary field that covers various health ailments, including issues with the temporomandibular joint. Read below to find out how Dr. Greer treats our patients living with TMJ.
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located in your jaw. It acts as a sliding hinge, connecting the jawbone to the skull. Without a functioning temporomandibular joint, our muscles and joints lose control over jaw movement.
In the case of TMJ disorder, the jaw develops pain and restricted movement. TMJ disorder can be caused by physical trauma or by poor oral habits such as teeth grinding or mouth clenching. Other medical conditions can lead to TMJ disorder, like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of what the cause is, this disorder can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
The telltale signs of TMJ disorder are jaw pain and muscle tenderness. At times, the pain can spread to the face or the ears. People with TMJ disorder will have difficulty chewing or swallowing food. This disorder is sometimes associated with a clicking sound or a grating sensation. While some cases of TMJ are temporary, other cases will require a visit to a healthcare provider to address the underlying cause of the problem.
When to Visit a Chiropractor for TMJ Treatment
You should seek medical care if your TMJ pain is ongoing, or if it's interfering with your ability to chew on a regular basis. Symptoms that last longer than a few weeks usually indicate that the TMJ disorder needs chiropractic care. At our chiropractor's office, you can get a diagnostic screening to locate the problem causing the pain. The issue could be anything from jaw misalignment to a dislocated jawbone. Once the diagnosis is discovered, we can then work toward finding a solution for pain relief and restoration.
Chiropractic Care for TMJ
Sunrise Chiropractic is a health center based in Tucson. Dr. Greer is committed to solving whatever musculoskeletal ailments that you are facing, including issues like TMJ disorder. If you are experiencing ongoing jaw pain, we have a care plan for TMJ management. Our services include:
- TMJ manipulation
- TMJ joint stretching & mobilization
- Activator methods using special instrumentation
- Soft tissue massage
- Pain relief management
Contact Our Chiropractor in Tucson, AZ
If you would like to learn more about our services or to schedule a visit to Sunrise Chiropractic, call our team today at (520) 733-1172 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.