The Symptoms and Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

Sep 23, 2016 | TMJ

Facial Pain, Headache,Headache Relief,Headaches, Jaw Ache,Jaw Pain, Migraine,Migraine Relief,Migraines,TMJ, TMJ ReliefTMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction is a painful condition. It can make usually enjoyable activities such as eating and speaking difficult and uncomfortable. While the condition may only be experienced temporarily by some, for others it can become an ongoing problem. What are the symptoms and causes of TMJ dysfunction? Is there anything you can do about it? Read on to learn more.

Recognizing the Symptoms

TMJ dysfunction involves more than just pain. Consider the following symptoms:

  • Tenderness, numbness, or pain that begins in the jaw or joints of the jaw and radiates toward the ear or neck
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Lack of jaw mobility
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sound when moving the jaw

While all of these symptoms may not be present, limited jaw movement is the most restrictive and should result in seeking medical care.

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

Why TMJ Dysfunction Occurs

Many factors can affect the temporomandibular joint. For example, the jaw can become misaligned. This may be the result of an upper cervical subluxation. The joint can be damaged in an injury. Arthritis may also affect the jaw as cartilage is worn away.

As a result, anyone who experiences a TMJ problem after an injury to the neck or head should seek an upper cervical evaluation. This will help a person to see if a subluxation is responsible for the jaw discomfort.

Upper Cervical Care for TMJ Problems

At Read Health Center, we use the NUCCA technique. This is an extremely gentle form of upper cervical care. It involves using x-rays to identify the exact location and degree of misalignment. Then a low force adjustment gently shifts the vertebrae back into place. The result is a long-lasting adjustment that may take the pressure off of the TMJ and allow the facial muscles and nerves to relax. This has led to the relief of TMJ pain for some.

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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