TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER (TMD)
Key Points:
· When the jaw is out of alignment it can cause numerous symptoms.
· Chiropractic manipulation and release of the spasmodic muscles can treat TMD and associated symptoms.
When the temporomandibular joint (the jaw) is out of alignment, it can cause numerous problems such as: mimicking ear aches; causing feelings of ear congestion, headaches, jaw pain, difficulty in opening the mouth; and difficulty and painful in chewing. A temporomandibular joint misalignment and associated symptoms can be addressed by chiropractic manipulation and by releasing the spasmodic muscles. Any involved cranial bones also need to be re-aligned by manipulation. Usually the involved cranial bones are the temporal, sphenoid, and pterygoid.
The facial, pterygoid, and temporalis muscles must also be released to successfully treat a TMJ problem. Soft foods should be eaten until the TMJ is stabilized. Foods such as French bread, apples, carrots, lettuce, and nuts need to be avoided, especially when the condition is acute.
Moreover, chewing gum should be avoided even when one has no TMD problems. The action of chewing gum causes facial, neck, and mastication muscles go to in a state of tightness unnecessarily. Sometimes a night guard is needed to prevent clenching and grinding at night. A night guard also helps the cranial and neck muscles to relax while sleeping.
Key Points:
· When the jaw is out of alignment it can cause numerous symptoms.
· Chiropractic manipulation and release of the spasmodic muscles can treat TMD and associated symptoms.
When the temporomandibular joint (the jaw) is out of alignment, it can cause numerous problems such as: mimicking ear aches; causing feelings of ear congestion, headaches, jaw pain, difficulty in opening the mouth; and difficulty and painful in chewing. A temporomandibular joint misalignment and associated symptoms can be addressed by chiropractic manipulation and by releasing the spasmodic muscles. Any involved cranial bones also need to be re-aligned by manipulation. Usually the involved cranial bones are the temporal, sphenoid, and pterygoid.
The facial, pterygoid, and temporalis muscles must also be released to successfully treat a TMJ problem. Soft foods should be eaten until the TMJ is stabilized. Foods such as French bread, apples, carrots, lettuce, and nuts need to be avoided, especially when the condition is acute.
Moreover, chewing gum should be avoided even when one has no TMD problems. The action of chewing gum causes facial, neck, and mastication muscles go to in a state of tightness unnecessarily. Sometimes a night guard is needed to prevent clenching and grinding at night. A night guard also helps the cranial and neck muscles to relax while sleeping.