As injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often rather painful, we do our best to help our Olympia patients find relief as quickly and effectively as possible. In fact, TJ Delorie will tell you that the medical research shows just how much chiropractic care can help ease pain in the jaw.
Research Proves Chiropractic Helps With TMJ Pain and Discomfort
For example, a study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice involved 15 people with jaw pain who were treated with neck adjustments, middle-back manipulation, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Patients were evaluated prior to these treatments and at two weeks and two months post-treatment. The clinicians reported positive outcomes such as reduced discomfort, greater jaw mobility, and lower disability at both follow-ups.
Another research paper carried out an analysis of almost 800 studies involving manual and manipulative therapy for disorders such as TMJ and found similar results. They 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 origins of TMJ are largely unknown. While trauma to the jaw or neck can cause pain symptoms, there are other factors to consider as well, such as grinding teeth, arthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to tension.
TJ Delorie Can Help People Find Comfort From TMJ Pain
No matter what is making your jaw hurt, call TJ Delorie now and schedule an appointment to come into our Olympia office. 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