TMJ Pain Relief with Chiropractic

Since trauma to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently rather painful, we do our best to help our Woburn & Chelmsford, MA patients find relief as quickly and effectively as possible. In fact, Dr. James Ellis & Dr. Lyndsay Martin will tell you that the medical literature shows just how much chiropractic can help ease discomfort in the jaw.

Research Supports Chiropractic Helps With TMJ Pain and Discomfort

For instance, a study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice involved 15 participants with jaw pain who were treated with neck adjustments, middle-back manipulation, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Patients were examined prior to these methods and at two weeks and two months post-treatment. They reported positive outcomes such as reduced pain, greater jaw mobility, and lower impairment at both follow-ups.

Another research paper carried out an analysis of almost 800 papers involving manual and manipulative therapy for conditions such as TMJ and found similar findings. The group concluded that there is a "fair...level of evidence" that chiropractic care can help ease symptoms associated with TMJ and other upper extremity disorders.

This is great news since the origins of TMJ are largely unknown. While injury to the jaw area can cause pain symptoms, there are other factors to consider as well, such as grinding teeth, arthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to tension.

Dr. James Ellis & Dr. Lyndsay Martin Can Help Patients Find Comfort From TMJ Pain

No matter what is making your jaw ache, call Dr. James Ellis & Dr. Lyndsay Martin today and schedule an appointment to come into our Woburn & Chelmsford, MA practice. We'll do our best to help you smile pain-free!

Studies

• Gonzalez-Iglesias J et al. (2013, November). Mobilization with movement, thoracic spine manipulation, and dry needling for the management of temporomandibular disorder: a prospective case series. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice;29(8):586-95
• Brantingham J et al. (2013, March-April). Manipulative and multimodal therapy for upper extremity and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics;36(3):143-201
• Oral Care. WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd on November 2, 2015