Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ for short, affects upward of 12 percent of all people. If you believe you may have TMJ, you likely have many questions. Let’s take a look at the FAQ associated with TMJ.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

Many that are suffering from TMJ know about it because of the identifiable symptoms that come along with it. The most common symptom is jaw pain and tenderness, and that pain can also linger into the ears. When actively using your jaw, there can be cracking and popping, as well as difficulty chewing and swallowing. While these symptoms don’t always mean that it's TMJ, these are the symptoms that are almost always present in every TMJ case.

What Causes TMJ?

There are several different causes of TMJ, with most of them being minor in nature. Arthritis of the jaw is one of the more common reasons why TMJ can occur, but a lot of cases will be the result of impact trauma or overuse. When the jaw is overused, the disk can erode, making the jaw misaligned and causing TMJ symptoms.

What Are the Common Treatments of TMJ?

In severe cases of TMJ, dental x-rays, CT scans, or an MRI will be used to determine the root cause. TMJ is often treated with over-the-counter medication including ibuprofen for those with mild cases. More severe cases are treated with stronger medications like muscle relaxants. Surgery can also be an option when other treatments don’t relieve the problem.

How Can A Chiropractor Help With TMJ?

Chiropractic treatment can help relieve TMJ symptoms because there are certain muscle groups and vertebrae that are connected to the jaw joint. With a proper alignment, the jaw can be set back into its proper position to alleviate the pain and causes of TMJ. Your chiropractic specialist will also give you a set of exercises to prevent future cases of TMJ.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor in Lexington, KY

Contact Lynch Chiropractic Center today at (859) 266-1999 to meet with a chiropractic specialist in Lexington, KY, and treat your TMJ pain.