TMJ pain can be debilitating – talk to Dr. Sasha Hamid, chiropractor in Ottawa, Ontario. In elementary school, she began to suffer from severe headaches. His jaw locked in one position, sometimes going so far as to dislocate. The pain was so intense that it prevented him from concentrating in class and participating in extracurricular activities.
Only surgery could relieve Dr. Hamid, who was born with a small jaw, but the operation was impossible as long as she took the painkillers that had allowed her to finish her days until then. Not knowing how she would manage the pain without medication, her surgeon referred her to a chiropractor.
“My chiropractor was the first person to explain the reasons for my pain to me in a simple and understandable way,” explains Dr. Hamid. He prescribed exercises and empowered me to manage my pain. Thanks to him, I was off any painkillers after six months and was able to manage my symptoms with acupuncture, stretching, and manual techniques. »
It was this experience that inspired Dr. Hamid to become a chiropractor.
The causes of TMJ pain
The TMJ bones are separated by a cartilaginous disc which promotes fluid jaw movement 3 . When muscles are irritated, the disc moves. Common symptoms include popping, cracking or cracking sensation, muscle or joint tenderness, and inability to open your mouth wide 4 .
There are three main categories of TMJ pain:
pain in the muscles that control the jaw and those that attach to the neck and shoulders – the most common;
internal joint dysregulation or disc dislocation (displacement);
a degenerative joint disease in the jaw joint, such as arthritis 5 .
Jaw injuries and strains, as well as teeth grinding or clenching, can increase the risk of developing these pains .
ATM pain management
Eat softer foods
apply ice
Avoid extreme jaw movements
Learn techniques to relax and reduce stress
Do light stretches of the jaw to improve mobility 2
Massage the soft tissues
Chiropractors can help you
Chiropractors can help you in many ways, including:
through joint manipulations to help restore mobility;
by relaxation techniques of neighboring muscles through the mouth.
Consult your chiropractor to determine which treatment is best for you.
References
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