TMD (or temporomandibular jaw disorder) is a common condition that results in jaw pain for many. However, this is not the only symptom linked to TMD. Consider the following additional symptoms:
- Pain that radiates from the neck or ear
- Numbness and tingling
- Loss of range of jaw motion
- Popping, clicking, or grinding sound when the jaw is opened or shut
If you are experiencing TMD, what is that cause of your condition? Where can you turn to for natural help in dealing with the pain?
TMD Often Related to Injuries
A recent study involved 89 TMD patients who had experienced various types of injuries. From the number of patients who experience an injury before the onset of TMD symptoms, it becomes clear that the condition is often the result of some sort of trauma. So if you are experiencing TMD, can you think of a head or neck trauma in your recent or perhaps even distant past? Why ask about neck trauma and not just head or jaw trauma?
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and TMJ download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Neck Pain and TMD
Many TMD patients also experience neck pain. Even those who do not may still be dealing with an upper cervical misalignment as a result of an accident or injury. Such a misalignment can affect the muscles in the neck and face, creating the ideal circumstances for TMD to occur. When the neck misalignment is corrected, this may help relieve the pain, swelling, numbness, and other symptoms associated with TMD.
At Read Health Center, we use the NUCCA technique to focus on the atlas bone (positioned at the top of the neck/base of the skull). This is where a misalignment can cause the most widespread symptoms. By calculating the specific misalignment and administering a gentle adjustment based on an individual’s need, the atlas can be put back in its proper place, and the body can have the opportunity to recover from the damage caused by the misalignment.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Read call our Ames office at 515-233-8880 or simply click the button below.
