Christiana Chiropractic, PC ...... (315) 409-0014

Download or Print This Article

Chiropractic:
Your Solution to Jaw Problems

Do you have jaw-related problems? If so, Dr. Christiana wants you to know that you're not alone. An estimated 44 million people in the United States have experienced signs of jaw dysfunction. It's not surprising, considering that your jaw is constantly at work swallowing, talking and eating. In fact, the average person swallows more than 2,000 times per day. Read on to learn more about jaw disorders and their solutions. What Causes It? Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) is also known as TMJ or as Craniomandibular Dysfunction - a real mouthful with or without jaw problems. TMD stems from a malfunction of the temporomandibular joints. These joints are located in front of your ears; they are the "hinges" that open and close when you eat or talk. However, TMD is a multifaceted disorder and may involve one or more of the following structures: (1) the bones that make up the jaw joint, (2) the nerves that innervate areas around the jaw and (3) the muscles of the jaw, face, head or neck that are affected by movement of the jaw. According to Dr. Christiana, TMD usually develops gradually. Anything that upsets the normal position or alignment of the jaw can predispose you to TMD - including a misaligned neck, an uneven bite, orthodontic work, teeth grinding and sleeping on your side. TMD may also onset suddenly following a trauma. For example, many people develop TMD after being involved in a motor-vehicle accident. Whiplash violently jerks the head and jaw back and forth, often forcing bones out of their natural alignment. The Elusive TMD Most people with TMD suffer needlessly for years, often visiting several health practitioners who fail to properly diagnose their problem. TMD is frequently misdiagnosed because its symptoms often lead doctors to suspect other, seemingly unrelated, disorders. For example, TMD may masquerade as tension or migraine headache, earache, neck pain or other "mysterious" ailments. Where can you go to unlock this jaw "mystery?" Dr. Christiana is an expert at detecting TMD. As a holistic healthcare practitioner, Dr. Christiana looks for connections between symptoms to unearth hidden causes of pain, including TMD. Symptoms of TMD Headaches Clicking or snapping in the jaw Problems opening the mouth Problems chewing Jaw, ear or head pain Neck or shoulder pain Dizziness Numbness or tingling in the arms Numbness or tingling in the hands RInging of the ears It's All Connected The chiropractic, holistic approach to health care - which recognizes the body as a coherent unit, with complex connections and interdependencies - is extremely effective in detecting and correcting TMD. Why? Because the bones, muscles and nerves in your jaw, head and neck are all connected. Together, they function in an intricate physiological dance. When one aspect of this complex dance is "off," the harmony of the dance is disrupted and the rest of the structures are affected. In TMD, this occurs when the jaw joint is out of alignment. Dysfunction in this joint leads to shortening and weakness in the muscles surrounding the jaw, including muscles in the neck. This explains why TMD often spawns muscle tension headaches. The neck muscles are connected to the spinal bones (vertebrae). So, a problem in the jaw may throw vertebrae in the neck out of alignment (a condition called vertebral subluxation), resulting in neck pain or stiffness. And, because the spinal column works as a unit, the mid or low back may also be affected. Where's the Proof? Evidence of this TMD "chain of events" is documented by scientific research. According to a recent report, "Temporomandibular joint dysfunction may cause cervical muscular and spinal biomechanical changes which may become visible and change on x-ray examination." (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1999;22:32-37.) Another study concluded that there "appears to be a cause-effect relationship between TMD and sacroiliac sprain, a common cause of low-back pain." (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1993;16:256-65.) What's more, research indicates that this phenomenon may also take place in the reverse order - a misalignment in your spine or neck may lead to TMD. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1982;5:79-81). Scientific studies also support the use of chiropractic for the correction of TMD (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1995;18:98-104). Since vertebral subluxations are associated with jaw dysfunction, doctors of chiropractic take a holistic approach to correcting TMD. Depending on your unique biomechanics, your chiropractor may work on your jaw joint directly, your neck, or both. Doctors of chiropractic use gentle maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment to the jaw joint and to vertebral subluxations. The beauty of chiropractic is that it's all natural, so there's no need to take drugs with potentially harmful side effects. A Team Approach If your TMD is aggravated by an uneven bite or orthodontic work, your chiropractor may choose to comanage your condition with a dentist or orthodontist who specializes in TMD. Your dental professional may recommend that you wear a dental splint or undergo preventive orthodontic procedures. These techniques will prevent further misalignment - and ensure that your chiropractic adjustments stay in place. Kids and TMD Good jaw health is essential for children. Experts believe that TMD in youngsters may cause headaches, throat infections, ear infections, sinus infections and asthma (Cranio 1990;8:342-9). And, TMD is common in young people. For example, one recent study determined that 16.7 percent of preschoolers evaluated had symptoms of TMD (Cranio 1990;17:1). How can you tell if your child has TMD? Clicking sounds in the jaw are often a warning sign, although jaw problems may be present without symptoms. Your doctor of chiropractic can examine your child for TMD and suggest strategies for treatment or prevention. Don't Delay Don't delay seeking help for, or preventing, a jaw problem. Doctors of chiropractic offer lasting and effective solutions for TMD. Take control of your health - schedule a chiropractic appointment today. Preventing TMD Here are a few simple hints recommended by chiropractors for preventing jaw disorders: Practice good posture - poor alignment can trigger TMD, Sleep on your back, never on your stomach. Don't chew gum. Learn relaxation techniques to avoid clenching your jaw. Follow the lips together, teeth apart" rule between bites when eating. Avoid resting your chin or face on your hands. Get regular chiropractic checkups.

Our purpose is to educate and adjust families toward optimal health