TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, the hinge joint that connects the jaw to the skull on each side of the head. It is more common than most people realize and frequently goes undiagnosed or is treated in isolation without addressing the cervical spine connection that contributes to many cases. Jaw pain, clicking or popping with movement, difficulty opening the mouth fully, and headaches are among the most common complaints, and for many patients these symptoms significantly affect their ability to eat, speak, and sleep comfortably.
Dr. Jeff Brown has been providing chiropractic care for TMJ patients in Greenville for over 40 years. His approach addresses both the jaw joint itself and the cervical spine structures that frequently contribute to TMJ dysfunction.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, combining a hinge motion with a sliding motion to allow for the full range of jaw movement involved in chewing, speaking, and yawning. When the joint is not functioning correctly, whether due to misalignment, disc displacement within the joint, muscle tension, or injury, it produces a characteristic set of symptoms that can range from mild and intermittent to severe and chronic.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder produces a range of symptoms that are not always immediately associated with the jaw joint.
Common symptoms include:
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Pain in the jaw joint, face, or in front of the ear
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Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds with jaw movement
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Difficulty or pain when opening the mouth wide
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Jaw locking in an open or closed position
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Headaches, particularly at the temples
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Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears
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Neck pain and upper cervical stiffness
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Facial pain and muscle tenderness around the jaw
The Cervical Spine Connection
The relationship between TMJ disorder and the cervical spine is well established and frequently overlooked in treatment. The muscles and nerves that control the jaw are closely interconnected with the upper cervical spine, and dysfunction in the upper cervical joints commonly contributes to or worsens TMJ symptoms. Many patients who have been treated for TMJ disorder with dental appliances or other jaw-focused interventions without satisfactory results have an unaddressed cervical component that is perpetuating their symptoms.
Dr. Brown evaluates the cervical spine in all TMJ patients and includes treatment directed at the upper cervical region when examination findings indicate it is contributing to the problem.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
TMJ dysfunction can develop from a number of different causes including:
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Auto accident injuries and whiplash affecting the cervical spine and jaw
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Direct trauma to the jaw from a fall or impact
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Teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep
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Poor posture and forward head position placing strain on the jaw
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Dental procedures requiring prolonged wide opening of the mouth
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Stress and associated muscle tension in the jaw and cervical region
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Disc displacement within the temporomandibular joint
How We Treat TMJ Disorder
Treatment for TMJ disorder at Brown Chiropractic Center addresses both the jaw joint and the cervical spine. Depending on your examination findings, care may include upper cervical chiropractic adjustments to address cervical dysfunction contributing to TMJ symptoms, jaw joint mobilization and adjustment when indicated, cold laser therapy directed at the TMJ to reduce inflammation and promote healing within the joint, therapeutic ultrasound for deep tissue treatment around the joint, and high voltage galvanism for pain control and muscle relaxation in the jaw and cervical musculature.
TMJ and Auto Accidents
Whiplash injuries frequently involve the jaw as well as the cervical spine. The same rapid acceleration and deceleration forces that injure the neck can also traumatize the temporomandibular joint, and TMJ symptoms following a car accident are a legitimate component of a personal injury claim.
If your jaw pain or TMJ symptoms began following a car accident, Dr. Brown will document your injuries thoroughly from the first visit.
