TMJ Pain Relief with Chiropractic

Since injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often quite painful, we do our best to help our Depew / Lancaster patients find relief as quickly and effectively as possible. In fact, Dr. William Palmer will tell you that the research shows just how much chiropractic can help ease pain in the jaw.

For instance, one study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice involved 15 people with jaw pain who were treated with neck adjustments, middle-back adjustments, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Patients were evaluated prior to these treatments and at two weeks and two months post-treatment. The clinicians reported positive outcomes such as reduced discomfort, greater jaw mobility, and lower impairment at both follow-ups.

Another research paper carried out a review of almost 800 studies involving manual and manipulative therapy for conditions such as TMJ and discovered similar results. The group concluded that there is a "fair...level of evidence" that chiropractic care can help ease discomfort associated with jaw pain and other upper extremity disorders.

This is great news since the causes of TMJ are largely unknown. While injury to the jaw or neck can cause pain symptoms, there are other sources to consider as well, such as grinding teeth, osteoarthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to tension.

No matter what is making your jaw hurt, call Dr. William Palmer now and schedule an appointment to come into our Depew / Lancaster location. We'll do our best to help you smile pain-free!

Studies

• Gonzalez-Iglesias J et al. (2013, November). Mobilization with movement, thoracic spine manipulation, and dry needling for the management of temporomandibular disorder: a prospective case series. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice;29(8):586-95
• Brantingham J et al. (2013, March-April). Manipulative and multimodal therapy for upper extremity and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics;36(3):143-201
• Oral Care. WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd on November 2, 2015