Let’s Talk About the TMJ

TMJ vs. TMD

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, commonly called the jaw. You may hear some people say “I have TMJ”, well…we all do. What they are typically saying is that they have TMD which stands for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.

Causes of TMD

While the precise cause for each person varies and are not well understood, contributing factors include: arthritis, stress, dental procedures, grinding of the teeth and damage to the jaw (among many others).

Symptoms

Symptoms of TMD can include but are not limited to: pain in the jaw, difficulty opening and closing the jaw, popping or clicking, headaches and pain in and around the ear.

Treatment

As Chiropractors, our treatment begins with an exam to determine the cause of the dysfunction which allows us to give proper referral or home care recommendations. Treatment typically includes soft tissue mobilization to address any muscles that may have tightness or trigger points present. Once the muscles are addressed, gentle manipulation on the jaw focusing on any deviation in the jaw on opening and closing is performed.

Our TMD Guru

Dr. Richelle has been fascinated with the jaw since her high school and university years. She worked in her mother’s dental office where she interacted with many patients dealing with TMD. During Chiropractic college she delved into our concervative interventions for TMD and took further continuing education to enhance her proficiency in dealing with the condition. She has helped many patients in our practice return to living with a pain-free jaw!