Chiropractic Can Ease Jaw Pain Related to TMJ

Since trauma to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often quite 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 research shows just how much chiropractic care can help ease pain in the jaw.

Research Proves Chiropractic Helps With TMJ Pain and Discomfort

For instance, one study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice involved 15 participants with temporomandibular disorders who were managed with neck adjustments, middle-back manipulation, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Subjects were evaluated prior to these treatments and at two weeks and two months post-treatment. They reported positive results such as reduced pain, greater jaw movement, and lower disability at both follow-ups.

Another research paper carried out a review of almost 800 studies involving manual and manipulative therapy for disorders such as TMJ and revealed similar findings. The authors concluded that there is a "fair...level of evidence" that chiropractic care can help ease discomfort associated with jaw pain and other upper extremity disorders.

This is great news since the causes of TMJ are largely unknown. While trauma to the jaw or neck can cause pain symptoms, there are other causes to consider as well, such as grinding teeth, arthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to stress.

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

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

References

• 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