Treating TMJ Disorder with Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
We all know someone who experiences pain in their jaw. What most people don’t know, is how it can be treated conservatively through physical therapy and chiropractic. There are many reasons why someone might be experiencing jaw pain.
The most common reasons are direct jaw injuries, arthritis, muscle imbalances or habitual teeth grinding. In this article we will review the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), how it functions, and how practitioners at CSM+M in NYC’s Flatiron District can help with TMJ disorder.
Anatomy of the TMJ – What’s Causing My Jaw Pain?
The TMJ is made up of two bones: one is the temporal bone, which is part of your skull, and the other is the mandibular bone, which is the actual jaw. Between the two bones is a piece of articular cartilage. This piece of cartilage allows the jaw to move smoothly and prevent wear and tear on the two bones. If there is clicking, and especially if there is locking, there is an issue in the mobility of this piece of cartilage.
The TMJ has a certain range of motion that allows us to be functional. There are 5 motions of the TMJ; elevation (open), depression (close), protrusion, retraction, lateral deviation right and left. Here is a list of the normal range of motions for the TMJ:
- Elevation/ depression: 40 – 60 mm
- Protrusion/ retraction: 8 – 12 mm
- Lateral deviation: 8 – 12 mm
The TMJ moves with the assistance of the surrounding muscles. The lateral pterygoid primarily functions to protrude and retract the jaw. Lateral movement or grinding, necessary for chewing, is a combination of protrusion and retraction on opposite sides of the mouth. Depression is done by gravity and elevation is done by temporalis, masseter and medial pterygoid.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Treatments for Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be addressed conservatively through physical therapy and chiropractics at your very own CSC+M in Flatiron, NYC. First, your jaw will be evaluated to check for range of motion, muscle tone, clicking, or abnormal movement patterns.
After evaluation, our practitioners will help to work with the joint to release any tight muscles, strengthening any weak muscles, get the joint back into the proper alignment, as well as teach you techniques to help manage and control your condition.
CSC+M takes an integrative approach to treating TMJ disorder and other sources of jaw pain. Learn more about our chiropractic treatments in NYC and our New York Physical Therapy Team.
You don’t need to live with jaw pain. Call us today to set up an appointment: (212) 475-8104.
