The temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ, is the point where the lower jaw and the skull meet. When it is properly aligned, tasks such as talking, chewing, and yawning are done seamlessly. However, this joint can also become misaligned, making synchronized movement difficult and cause pain. At Ballston Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Arlington, VA, we provide various treatments to reduce any discomfort you’re experiencing and improve your overall health.
Causes of TMJ
TMJ syndrome can occur at any point in life and lead to jaw pain. Some causes of TMJ include the following:
- Arthritis
- Teeth grinding
- Skeletal abnormalities
- Muscle tension
- Malocclusion
- Jaw injury
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Genetics
Symptoms of TMJ
If you have TMJ, you may experience various symptoms, such as a popping sound when you yawn or move your jaw, headaches, tenderness around the jaw, and difficulty eating. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms to prevent the condition from worsening and leading to further complications.
Chiropractic Treatment for TMJ
When you come in for your appointment, we will speak with you about your symptoms and review your medical history. Once we have a better understanding of your conditions, our chiropractors will provide a treatment plan that targets both TMJ joints, muscles, and ligaments.
We may first begin with a soft tissue massage to reduce your discomfort before performing an adjustment. Our chiropractors will examine the jaw to see if both joints are equally affected or if one joint locks more than the other. Then, we’ll manipulate both jaws to ease muscle tension and correct misalignments, which can make movement easier. With consistent treatment, you should see a reduction in tension and discomfort.
Contact us for an Appointment Today!
If you are having persistent pain due to TMJ, let our team at Ballston Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Arlington, VA, help. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your initial consultation, contact our office at (703) 243-7878 today. When you need a chiropractor near me, we look forward to assisting you!