Temporomandibular joint pain is a common issue that affects the ability to use the jaw. Most often, it causes significant discomfort with jaw movement and limits the jaw’s normal range of motion. You have two temporomandibular joints, one located on each side of your jaw. Each joint is comprised of a complex network of muscles and ligaments along with a cushioning disc and the jaw bone itself. Working in perfect synchronicity, these structures function to move the jaw when you chew, speak, swallow and make facial expressions. When any of these structures become compromised and/or misaligned, you can notice a difference in your jaws motion, how you smile, the strength of your bite, tenderness that wasn’t there previously resulting in pain, inflammation and reduced range of motion are all  associated with TMJ dysfunction.

At Revolution Chiropractic, we approach TMJ issues using structural analysis and TMJ functional analysis. By locating the underlying structural cause of your discomfort, we aim to correct the source of the issue, which naturally relieves the painful symptoms TMJ dysfunction generates.

What to Expect With Chiropractic Care for TMJ Issues

At Revolution Chiropractic, the first step in treating TMJ problems is a complete neurostructural evaluation, which allows us to determine the where the underlying source of dysfunction is and what is needed to occur to deal with the root issue. In the case of TMJ, abnormal structural shifts in the upper cervical spine often affect the nerves that control jaw function. When these nerves become compromised by misalignment, their ability to transmit signals to the jaw and surrounding structures suffers. A knock, bump or jolt of the neck can also be enough to shift the neck alignment and over time place increased pressure on the jaw resulting in TMJ issues.

During your exam, we’ll perform a series of specific evaluations using advanced imaging technology (where clinically required) and Neurofunctional movement assessment. We’ll also gather information about your history and daily practice in an effort to make the most well-informed diagnosis possible. After collecting all applicable information, we will formulate a custom plan of care designed to correct structural shifts and relieve pressure on the nerves that stem from your cervical spine.

During your NeuroStructural visits, you’ll receive ongoing evaluations of your spine and jaw, which allows the doctor to precisely tailor each correction to your body. Depending on your unique diagnosis, you may also perform guided functional rehabilitative techniques that encourage mobility, stability and support the normal function of your jaw.

Health Benefits of Chiropractic Care for TMJ Problems

If you struggle with a TMJ issue that limits your ability to use your full function of your jaw, corrective chiropractic care at our Queensland, Miami clinic may be able to offer the following health benefits:

Range of Motion Improvement
Through corrective adjustments, we gradually re-establish the proper structural alignment of your jaw and upper cervical region. Proper alignment encourages normal, healthy functioning of the nerves that stem from your upper spine and control the jaw. When the nerves are able to function normally, the muscles and other structures of the jaw naturally begin to relax, which allows for increased range of motion.

Pain Relief, by Restoring Function and Alignment.
As we gradually realign abnormal structural shifts, we encourage normal nerve function and transmission, which helps alleviate pain signaling. Reducing tension around the joint through various adjustment and remedial techniques allows the muscles of the jaw, face, neck and upper back to relax. When we alleviate muscle tension, we also relieve the pain associated with it.

Common TMJ Symptoms That Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care

TMJ elicits a wide variety of painful and limiting symptoms that can benefit greatly from structural corrective treatments, including:

Frequently Asked Questions