Our bodies are made up of intricate systems functioning together in harmony, and when one part is compromised, it can affect the entire body. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is no exception. The TMJ is a complex joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, and when it’s out of balance, the entire body can suffer. TMJ pain arises when the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments around your jaw are out of balance or not in sync. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe chronic pain if left untreated.
$97 New Patient Special
- Thorough Initial History & Exam
- Postural & Nerve System Assessment
- World-Class Feedback, so you have a plan of action
- Initial Consultation & X-Ray Review, if necessary
TMJ affects more than 10 million people in the United States alone and can affect anyone at any age. It is more common among women than men and can become more common with age. This is due to the gradual wear and tear that occurs with age and other factors related to lifestyle habits.
The jaw comprises two joints, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the mandibular joint (MJ). The TMJ is responsible for the movement of the jaw, while the MJ assists with proper jaw alignment and stability. When both joints are working in harmony, the jaw will function correctly. When one of these joints becomes irritated due to an injury, poor posture, or other causes, it can cause the jaw to become misaligned and lead to temporomandibular joint pain.
The surrounding facial muscles become tense and painful as the muscles work harder to stabilize the misaligned jaw. This pain leads to further complications such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and even earaches.
How Our TMJ Disorder Care Plan Works
1. Performance
Remove interference that impacts performance. Our team will zone in on the key areas of degeneration in your spine, re-align these areas with corrective adjustments, and create quick improvements in daily activities.
2. Durabiilty
Repetition leads to mastery. Our team will hold you accountable to exercises and lifestyle habits that allow your spinal column to rehabilitate, withstand the stressors of daily life, and improve performance across all your hobbies.
3. Transformation
It’s not a destination, it’s a journey! Your body is your temple, and without health and vitality, it’s doomed to fail. In each chapter of your life, our team will educate and mentor you about your lifestyle and spine health to ensure enduring change!
How We Treat TMJ Disorder in Fishers, IN
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
Our expert practitioners will discuss your symptoms in detail during your consultation and observe how you move your jaw and neck. During the consultation, our practitioners will also assess your posture, bite, and range of motion. This is to determine the cause of your temporomandibular joint pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
If necessary, we may also take X-rays. X-rays give us an accurate picture of the structures inside your jaw and help us determine the best treatment for you
Specific Chiropractic Care In Fishers, IN
Our chiropractors will use various techniques to help realign the jaw and reduce tension. These may include adjusting the jaw joint, applying pressure to trigger points, stretching, and mobilizing the surrounding muscles.
If they choose to adjust the joint, they will use a light force to move it into its correct position gently without cracking or popping the jaw. The method used will depend on the severity of your condition and what is causing it. Our chiropractors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will help you reduce your pain and improve your jaw function.
They may then recommend exercises or stretches to help keep the jaw in its correct position. Stretching and mobilizing the muscles around the jaw is also important for restoring the jaw’s normal range of motion. This can help to reduce tension and pain, as well as improve overall function.
Trigger point relief soft tissue work can help reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. Our chiropractors will use their hands to apply pressure to these knots, which will help release the built-up tension and reduce inflammation.
Deep Tissue Laser
Deep tissue laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw. It targets specific areas of the jaw with a low-level laser to reduce tension and inflammation. Laser therapy can also help improve the range of motion in the jaw, reducing pain and improving function.
During the procedure, our practitioners will apply the laser to specific jaw areas for 10-15 minutes. The laser helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain and stiffness in the jaw.
Laser penetrates the cellular level, stimulating the mitochondria to accelerate healing. The benefits of laser therapy can be almost immediately, and it can provide long-term relief from TMJ pain.
Nutrition & Supplementation
A lack of certain nutrients in the diet, such as calcium and magnesium, can cause TMJ. We will work with you to create a customized nutrition plan to help ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. This can help to reduce inflammation, improve joint health, and reduce pain.
We may also recommend certain supplements to help improve joint health. These can include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which are known to be beneficial for joint health. Combined with an anti-inflammatory diet and foods that won’t aggravate jaw pain, these supplements can help to reduce pain and improve function.
Massage Therapy
Our massage therapists will use various techniques to relieve tension and reduce TMJ pain. This may include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. Massage can help to relax the muscles around the jaw and help to reduce stress in the body, which can contribute to temporomandibular joint pain. Massage can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
Check Out Our Online Reviews
Ilcia Rodriguez
2023-11-16
Been coming for 4 weeks and already seeing better results. Everyone is helpful and ready to answer any questions. ALL the ladies at the front desk are super nice!
AJ
2023-11-16
It's quite the experience. You very well informed before you begin treatment. Everyone in the office is super nice. I never feel confused or unsure. Information is never withheld and questions or concerns are always welcomed. It's only been a month and the pain I've had is virtually gone. I will always recommend Vital!
Cole Blume, D.C.
2023-11-16
As a chiropractor myself, I'm very specific about my own care. This office represents the best of corrective chiropractic care, patient education and genuine love of their patients. Highly recommend!
Mark Brumbaugh
2023-11-08
Great experience I have seen improvement in my health and reduction of my pain in just a few weeks
Chris Belleville
2023-11-06
I’ve searched for a number of years for something to make a difference with my neck and back pain, and I’ve found it! The team at VCC has been great! They take the time to take you on the journey - helping to educate you and not just “crack” you! It’s been great working with them!!
Douglas Chace
2023-10-26
After a career in the military (with 4 combat deployments and 15 surgeries), VCC has helped me regain control of my life. I’ve improved in every area of my life.
Jackie Boatman
2023-10-26
Feeling so much better, less neck tension and headaches.
Amy Heirbrandt
2023-10-26
I'm here at VCC at a very informative Sleep Workshop. VCC cares for you as a whole person. I've been a patient for a couple of years and love living without neck and back pain!
Chris Kingrey
2023-10-26
Been coming for 4 months. Big difference from then to now. Feel so much better and still getting better. Recommend to anyone. At least get a consultation. Don't knock it till you try it .
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder in Fishers, IN
Jaw Pain
Your jaw may feel sore and tender, or there may be a sharp pain when you move it. This pain is similar to the pain of an earache. It might be worse on one side or felt on both sides of your jaw.
Lockjaw
Muscle tension can lock your jaw in one position and will not move. This symptom is usually accompanied by pain or discomfort. Sometimes, the only way to unlock your jaw is with help from a doctor or physical therapist.
Jaw Clenching
You are often unaware that you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. It can be a sign of stress or anxiety and cause pain in the jaw and face. It can also lead to headaches and other TMJ symptoms.
Difficulty Chewing
A misalignment of the jaw or tightness in the muscles can make it difficult to open your mouth wide enough to chew food properly. This symptom is usually accompanied by pain or discomfort.
Jaw Popping or Clicking
You may hear or feel a popping or clicking sensation when you open your mouth. This can be caused by the jaw joint becoming misaligned or by a buildup of muscle tension. It can be accompanied by pain or stiffness.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder in Fishers, IN
Teeth Clenching
When you clench or grind your teeth, your jaw is forced into an unnatural position, causing excess pressure on the temporomandibular joint leading to pain and inflammation. The extra pressure can also cause the jaw to become misaligned, leading to further TMJ pain and discomfort.
Arthritis
Arthritis can misalign the jaw, leading to swelling and inflammation. This can also cause additional stress on the temporomandibular joint, leading to more pain. In some cases, the joint can become so damaged that it needs to be replaced
Poor Posture
The neck muscles connect to the jaw muscles. When one is tense, the other will become tense. That means poor posture that triggers neck and shoulder tension can lead to jaw tension and pain.
Check Out Our Location Near You
12242 E 116th St, Ste 100
Fishers, IN 46037
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care help with TMJ?
Yes, chiropractic care can help to reduce pain and improve function in the jaw. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat various conditions, including temporomandibular joint pain. They can use multiple techniques, such as spinal manipulation, to reduce tension in the jaw and improve the range of motion. They can also recommend lifestyle changes and exercises to help with temporomandibular joint pain.
How do you permanently TMJ?
TMJ is a complex condition, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments, such as chiropractic care, massage, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
What causes TMJ to flare up?
TMJ can result from various factors, such as grinding your teeth, jaw misalignment, stress or anxiety, and arthritis. It can also be triggered by a traumatic event such as whiplash, an injury to the face, and even certain medications or medical conditions. If you do not treat the underlying cause, your symptoms may continue to flare up.
What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
If temporomandibular joint pain is left untreated, it can lead to long-term problems such as chronic pain, difficulty eating and speaking, and jaw deformities. It can also lead to other health problems, such as headaches, earaches, and neck pain.
Can chiropractors crack jaws?
Chiropractors can safely manipulate the temporomandibular joint to improve range of motion and decrease pain.
Can TMJ cause neurological problems?
In rare cases, temporomandibular joint pain can cause neurological problems such as facial numbness, facial paralysis, and difficulty swallowing. These only occur when temporomandibular joint pain causes severe damage to the facial nerves. They may also occur if temporomandibular joint pain is left untreated for an extended period.
$97 New Patient Special
– Thorough Initial History & Exam –
– Postural & Nerve System Assessment –
– World-Class Feedback, so you have a plan of action –
– Initial Consultation & X-Ray Review, if necessary –