Chiropractic Effective for TMJ Pain

A young woman with wavy hair is holding her jaw and showing signs of discomfort, standing in a well-lit room with curtains in the background.

TMJ Pain Eased by Chiropractic in Arlington

Because injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is usually very painful, we do our best to help our Arlington patients find relief as quickly and effectively as possible. In fact, Dr. Ernst will tell you that the medical literature shows just how much chiropractic can help ease pain in the jaw.

Research Shows Chiropractic Care Helps With TMJ Pain and Discomfort

For instance, a study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice included 15 people with jaw pain who were treated with neck adjustments, middle-back manipulation, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Subjects were assessed prior to these therapies and at 15 days and two months post-treatment. The clinicians reported positive results such as reduced discomfort, greater jaw movement, and lower disability at both follow-ups.

Another research paper conducted a review of almost 800 studies involving manual and manipulative therapy for conditions such as TMJ and discovered similar findings. The group 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 origins of TMJ are largely unknown. While injury to the jaw or neck can cause pain symptoms, there are other factors to consider as well, such as bruxism, osteoarthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to stress.

Dr. Ernst Can Help People Find Comfort From TMJ Discomfort

No matter what is making your jaw hurt, call Dr. Ernst today and make an appointment to come into our Arlington practice. We'll do our best to help you smile pain-free!

Resources

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

July 15, 2024

Dr. Ernst

Arlington Chiropractor, Dr. Loren Ernst explains, “Chiropractic care, combined with sound nutritional choices and adequate exercise can have a profound effect on patients’ lives. Our mission is to help our patients understand how a healthy nervous system can improve their quality of life and give them their lives back.”