TMJ

image of man in pain pressing his fingers against his jaw

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Up to 10 million people suffer from painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Symptoms include pain in the face and neck, locked jaw or limited jaw movement, painful clicking when moving the mouth, dizziness, difficulty chewing or swallowing and a change in the way the teeth fit together. TMD is about four times more common in women than men.

Causes

TMD has many causes, some physical, some emotional. A jaw injury, such as one caused by a car accident or being hit hard by a ball, can lead to TMD. Degenerative joint disease is another leading physical cause of TMD.

Emotional stress can cause behaviors that lead to TMD, such as clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth.

Conventional Treatment

You can manage TMD through medications or lifestyle interventions. Your doctor may recommend muscle relaxants or pain relievers. Certain types of antidepressants also relieve pain. If you clench your teeth at night, aggravating your TMD pain, your doctor might prescribe a sedative. These medications bring along a variety of side effects.

Other interventions don’t require drugs. Rest your jaws by eating soup or soft food. Avoid chewing gum. Firm or soft bite guards sometimes relieve pain, and keep you from grinding your teeth at night. Ice packs or moist heat can help. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles.

If stress and anxiety are the cause of your TMD, try relaxation techniques. Mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, biofeedback, talking to a counselor or massage might help.

In extreme cases, some doctors recommend surgery to repair this joint.

Chiropractic Care and TMJ

Some patients with TMD find relief through chiropractic care. A chiropractor can manipulate your neck and jaw to improve alignment and relax muscle tension. Many chiropractors will also recommend special exercises, hot and cold treatment and other non-pharmaceutical interventions. Your chiropractor might team up with your dentist to provide the best care.

If you’re suffering from TMD, call us today so we can help ease your jaw pain.

Locations

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

3/16: 9:00am

7:00pm

Tuesday:

3/17: 9:00am

1:00pm

Wednesday:

3/18: 2:00pm

9:00pm

Thursday:

3/19: 9:00am

1:00pm

Friday:

3/20: 9:00am

7:00pm

Saturday:

3/21: 9:00am

12:00pm

Sunday:

3/22: CLOSED

CLOSED

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Dr. Doug is definitely the best chiropractor I ever went to in my life. I usually tense up when it comes time to cracking my neck, but I was so at ease with Dr. Doug, he cracked it effortlessly.

    He really takes his time with you and is a very caring, personable doctor. He got me out of my pain and I slept like a baby.

    I'd also have to add how nice and clean the office is. The magazines are organized better than a library. They play great music in the reception area. And the office manager, Emily, is a sweetheart. She's very friendly; and fast and efficient when it comes to checking your insurance.

    I'm so happy I found this place!"
    Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta / Facebook Reviews
  • "The entire staff is friendly, efficient, helpful, accommodating. Dr. Torrisi is possibly the most patient doctor on the planet. At the risk of sounding too dramatic, his treatment has been life changing. Perhaps the LEAST remarkable thing he has done is cure 20 years of chronic migraines, but there has been a steady decrease in pain and an increase in mobility under his care. Truly amazingly positive results."
    Laura Schiffenhaus / Facebook Reviews