Six Likely Origins of Your TMJ Problem

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a critical hinge connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. TMJ disorders can lead to pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles controlling jaw movement. Understanding the origins of TMJ problems can pave the way for targeted treatment. Here, we’ll explore six likely culprits behind your TMJ troubles.

1. Trauma and Physical Impact

A direct blow or trauma to the face or jaw can lead to TMJ disorders. This could be a result of:

• Accidents: Such as car crashes, falls, or sports-related injuries.

• Dental procedures: Where the mouth is kept open for an extended period can sometimes lead to TMJ problems, especially if there was already a predisposition.

2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Many people unconsciously grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep. This habit, known as bruxism, can:

• Wear down the teeth, causing dental issues.

• Strain the TMJ, leading to joint problems.

• Cause or exacerbate muscle tension, resulting in pain.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis is a group of degenerative joint disorders characterized by inflammation. The TMJ, like any other joint, can be affected. There are different types of arthritis that can affect the TMJ, including:

• Osteoarthritis: This is a wear-and-tear form of arthritis, resulting from the gradual loss of cartilage.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks its tissues, including those in the joints.

4. Structural Jaw Issues

Sometimes, the root of a TMJ problem can be traced to the way the joint, jaw, or teeth are structured. This can result from:

• Birth defects: Where the jaw or joint is formed differently.

• Misalignment: Either of the teeth (malocclusion) or jaw.

• Prolonged orthodontic work: Which might shift the bite and put strain on the TMJ.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Mental health and physical health are often intertwined. Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to:

• Tightening of facial and jaw muscles.

• Unconscious clenching of the jaw, especially during sleep.

• An increased pain response, exacerbating TMJ symptoms.

6. Connective Tissue Diseases

Certain diseases that affect connective tissues can also impact the TMJ. For instance, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects collagen production, can lead to joint issues, including those in the TMJ.

TMJ disorders are multifaceted, with a variety of potential origins. Understanding the root cause is key to addressing symptoms and finding relief. If you suspect you have a TMJ disorder, consult with a dental or medical professional. They can offer a proper diagnosis and guide you toward effective treatments, whether that's physical therapy, dental interventions, stress management techniques, or other remedies.

How Our TMJ Treatment Works

Dr. Gordon Elder, from Blair Chiropractic Clinic, is a specialist in upper cervical chiropractic care, employing the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This method concentrates on rejuvenating the upper cervical spine's functionality, thereby reactivating the body's intrinsic healing prowess.

For patients with TMJ issues, Dr. Elder follows a bifurcated strategy. The first phase involves a 25-30 minute assessment where Dr. Elder evaluates if vertebral misalignment might be contributing to your TMJ complications. During this assessment, state-of-the-art 3-D imaging is utilized to identify precise misalignments within the upper cervical region. Subsequently, Dr. Elder will share a detailed report on his findings, and he is readily available to clarify any concerns or questions you might have.

Post the preliminary assessment, Dr. Elder administers a series of subtle, low-impact adjustments aimed at re-aligning the vertebrae. This serves to mitigate accumulated pressure. After the primary adjustment, you'll be advised to revisit for periodic check-ups over the next 3 months to ensure the adjustments are holding. Typically, over a span of 3-5 months, patients attend around 10 to 15 sessions with Dr. Elder.

Should TMJ issues be hindering your quality of life, don't hesitate to reach out and book an appointment with Dr. Elder. Blair Chiropractic Clinic, nestled in Lubbock, Texas, extends its services to neighboring regions including Abilene, Odessa, Amarillo, Midland, El Paso in Texas, and also to Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Neck Issues and TMJ: Is There A Connection?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the joints on the sides of your skull, just in front of your ears. They act as a hinge; they connect your jaw to your skull and allow it to move. They are among the most complex and important joints in the body. 

TMJ disorder, often just referred to as TMJ, is a painful disorder that involves dysfunction of the jaw joints and the muscles that control the jaw's movement. This can be an incredibly painful condition that restricts movement of the jaw or causes jaw lock. 

People with TMJ often experience not just facial and jaw pain, but also pain in the neck. Wondering what the connection is? Here is some information that may help you get the right treatment. 

The Upper Cervical Spine and TMJ

The upper cervical spine consists of the seven uppermost vertebrae that run from the base of the skull and down through the neck. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) are the top two vertebrae, which play a very important role in the movement of the head and neck. They are responsible for the head's range of motion, allowing you to turn your head from side to side or tilt it. 

The atlas and axis are prone to injury from any jolts to the head you may sustain in an accident, while playing sports, roughhousing, falling, or even from prolonged poor posture. When misaligned, it causes inflammation and throws off the head's symmetry, resulting in uneven muscle tension that can affect the jaw joints. 

Many people with TMJ suffer for years without even realizing that the root cause of their problem may be in their neck. Until this root cause is addressed, problems with the jaw joints will be recurring. 

How We Help Treat TMJ By Fixing Neck Issues

If you suffer from neck pain along with your TMJ, then chiropractic care may be the key to relief. At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, our Dr. Gordon Elder is an upper cervical specialist who is expertly trained to help with misalignments of the atlas and axis. 

Dr. Elder is a practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a technique that takes advantage of advanced diagnostic technology to help doctors make a more precise assessment of your unique anatomy. Blair practitioners are also trained to apply specialized methods to make gentler, swifter, longer-lasting adjustments that are far more comfortable and precise than the jerks and jolts associated with traditional chiropractic care. 

Dr. Elder has a three-step treatment plan that begins with a thorough assessment. Using state-of-the-art 3D imaging tools, he can better visualize the problems.

The second step involves the healing process, during which Dr. Elder will coax your spine back into proper alignment using low-pressure techniques. Once properly aligned, you will continue to feel relief as the body's natural healing mechanisms take over and begin repairing damage and restoring wellness. 

Finally, Dr. Elder recommends regular chiropractic visits added to your healthcare routine so that he can help prevent problems from returning and nip issues in the bud. 

If you're having trouble finding relief for your TMJ, contact Dr. Elder to see how he can help. The doctor's area of coverage includes Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico. 

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.