Can Untreated TMJ Cause Complications?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can cause a range of issues, and intervention is often necessary for improvement. Here at Health Advantage Physical Medicine in Pasadena, California, our team of wellness professionals takes a functional medicine approach to managing TMJ, and helping patients achieve pain relief, and improved jaw function. Read on to learn more about our approach, and the treatments that improve TMJ

What is TMJ?

When it’s working as it should most people don’t have to give a second thought to the temporomandibular joint. This hinge-like joint connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal joint), allowing your lower jaw to move so that you can talk, and chew. 

Sometimes this joint becomes dysfunctional, and problems that range from mild to severe can occur. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction happens when this hinge-like jaw joint fails to work as it should. This can happen for a number of reasons, but some of the most common are:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Jaw injury
• Orthodontic complications
• Issues with the neck (cervical spine)
• Emotional stressors (depression, anxiety)

In some cases the exact cause is unknown or difficult to determine.

What are the signs and symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ can cause a wide range of symptoms, as it affects the head and neck. This means you may experience headaches, ear problems, pain behind the eyes, and functional issues with the jaw. Some common signs of TMJ include:

• Jaw clicking and popping
• Dizziness
• Ear ringing
• Jaw locking
• Neck pain

This isn’t by any means an comprehensive list, as the signs and symptoms of TMJ are extensive. 

How untreated TMJ can affect you

When TMJ dysfunction goes untreated, jaw pain, stiffness, and other problems often worsen over time. Over time, the jaw misalignment can place excess strain on surrounding muscles, causing neck pain, upper back tension, and even posture issues. 

Additionally, untreated TMJ dysfunction can affect your mental health. The constant pain and discomfort can contribute to sleep issues and chronic fatigue.

Functional medicine approach to TMJ

While chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal issues, the functional medicine approach digs deeper into the root causes of TMJ dysfunction. Functional medicine views the body as an interconnected system, and addresses the underlying inflammation, stress, and lifestyle factors that might be contributing to TMJ.

This may involve nutritional guidance, stress management techniques, or recommendations for physical therapy exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the jaw muscles.

For instance, nutritional deficiencies or chronic inflammation can worsen TMJ symptoms. Our team may recommend specific dietary changes or supplements to reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and promote healing. 

Stress is another significant factor in TMJ dysfunction, as increased tension often leads to jaw clenching. The team can help manage stress through techniques like meditation, mindfulness, or other stress-reducing practices.

Chiropractic care for TMJ relief

Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive approach to TMJ relief. Our experienced chiropractors Dennis Buckley, DC, and Miwa Yoshida, DC, can create a treatment plan that focuses on the alignment of the spine, neck, and jaw, to reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint. 

When treating TMJ, our chiropractic professionals use specific, gentle adjustments to improve jaw and neck alignment with an aim to relieve pain and improve function.

Chiropractic adjustments can also address underlying spinal misalignments that may be contributing to TMJ. Since the neck and jaw muscles are closely connected, realigning the cervical spine can reduce muscle tension and improve your jaw's movement and functionality. 

Relief from TMJ pain

If you’re struggling with TMJ pain or other related issues, addressing it early can prevent further complications. At Health Advantage Physical Medicine we offer a combination of chiropractic care and functional medicine to provide a comprehensive, effective approach to restoring proper joint function. 

To learn more about our approach to TMJ treatment, and to schedule a consultation, contact us today and get on the road to TMJ relief.