TMJ Pain Relief with Chiropractic

As trauma to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often rather painful, we do our best to help our Memphis patients find relief as quickly and effectively as possible. In fact, Dr. Amodeo will tell you that the medical research shows just how much chiropractic can help ease discomfort in the jaw.

For example, one study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice included 15 participants with jaw pain who were managed with neck adjustments, middle-back manipulation, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Subjects were assessed prior to these methods and at 15 days and two months post-treatment. They reported positive outcomes such as reduced pain, greater jaw movement, and lower impairment at both follow-ups.

Another clinical study conducted a review of almost 800 papers involving manual and manipulative therapy for disorders such as TMJ and discovered similar findings. The group concluded that there is a "fair...level of evidence" that chiropractic care can help ease pain 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 area 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.

No matter what is making your jaw hurt, call Dr. Amodeo today and make an appointment to come into our Memphis location. 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