Natural Care Options for TMJ Dysfunction in Ames, IA

Dec 25, 2016 | TMJ

Facial Pain, Jaw Ache,Jaw Pain, TMJ, TMJ Relief The TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint, is the joint where the upper and lower jaws meet.  It is among the most complicated joints in the body because it both slides and acts as a hinge.  Problems with the TMJ can be extremely painful.  They can either arise because of an issue with the joint itself, or with the many muscles around the jaw and face that are used for chewing and talking.  Problems with the TMJ can be connected with other symptoms, such as:

  • Migraines
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Locking or clicking of the jaw
  • Neck pain
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and TMJ download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below. Free TMJ Relief eBook from Read Health Center

Care Options for TMJ Disorders

Most relief options for people who are experiencing TMJ issues are concerned with easing symptoms.  Oftentimes, it is recommended that people experiencing jaw problems eat soft foods, ice the joint, and avoid excessive jaw movements (such as chewing gum).  While this may be good advice, these solutions do not address the underlying cause of the problem.

At Read Health Center, we focus on identifying the root cause of TMJ disorders, as well as some of the associated symptoms mentioned above.  Many times, the root of these issues is the same and can be found in a very specific spinal misalignment.  When the atlas (C1) vertebra becomes misaligned, it can create unequal tension in the muscles around the jaw joint.  Unequal muscle tension can cause the jaw to move and function improperly, leading to pain, popping, clicking and more.  Through a complete upper cervical chiropractic analysis, we are able to determine if an atlas misalignment is a factor in your TMJ disorder.  If it is, then gentle, precise adjustments are applied in order to restore normal alignment.  As a result, TMJ pain, migraines, neck pain, and other associated symptoms may be greatly reduced, or even resolved completely.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Read, call our Ames office at (515) 859-8597 . You can also click the button below. Free TMJ Relief eBook from Read Health Center If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at http://www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

About the Author

Author photo
Dr. Barbara Read
Ames Chiropractor
When I first heard about NUCCA care, I thought it was too good to be true. But there I was in Chicago, a new chiropractor, with an opportunity to train with a master of this form of care, Dr. Marshall Dickholtz, Sr., and I took him up on his offer to train me. I was astounded by the number of people coming through the door seeking help for all kinds of problems. People who had been everywhere else, had seen everyone else, and had tried everything else. I couldn’t deny that this system of healing was working. It was gentle. It was stable. I wasn’t used to seeing patients hold their corrections like this.
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