TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment in Portland & Hood River

What is TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two hinge-and-slide joints just in front of your ears that connect your lower jaw to your skull. Each joint has a small cushioning disc and is moved by strong chewing muscles, including the masseter along the side of the jaw and the temporalis at the temple. You use these joints every time you talk, chew, swallow or yawn.

Strictly speaking, “TMJ” is the joint and “TMD” (temporomandibular disorder) is the condition, although most people say “TMJ” for both. TMD is an umbrella term for pain and dysfunction in the joint, its disc or the surrounding muscles. Muscle-related jaw pain is the most common type, and many cases are mild and come and go.

Because the jaw sits on top of the neck, the two regions influence each other. Forward-head posture, a stiff neck and tension through the upper shoulders can change how the jaw muscles work. That's one reason a chiropractor looks at your neck and posture as well as your jaw.

Common symptoms of TMJ disorder

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth
• Limited opening or a jaw that catches
• Pain when chewing
• Headaches around the temples
• Pain or a feeling of fullness around the ear
• Neck and shoulder tension

What causes TMJ disorder?

TMD usually has more than one contributor, and the exact trigger isn't always clear. Habits that overwork the chewing muscles, changes in the joint itself and posture can all play a part, and stress tends to make symptoms worse.

• Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), during the day or at night
• Stress, which often shows up as jaw clenching and muscle tension
• Forward-head posture and neck tension, such as from long hours at a screen
• A jaw injury, such as a blow to the face or a fall
• Arthritis in the jaw joint
• Keeping your mouth open for a long time, such as during lengthy dental procedures

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most jaw pain is not an emergency, but some symptoms need prompt medical or dental care instead of a chiropractic visit. Call 911 for chest pain or trouble breathing, and get same-day medical care for any of the following:

• Your jaw is locked open or locked closed and won't move
• Jaw, arm or chest pain with shortness of breath or sweating, which can be a heart attack: call 911
• Facial swelling with a fever
• New numbness or weakness in your face
• Jaw pain after an injury or trauma to the face

How chiropractic care may help TMJ disorder

Chiropractic care for TMJ disorder uses gentle, conservative methods to help your jaw move more comfortably and to ease strain coming from the neck and upper back. Care is adapted to how your jaw feels on the day. The aim is comfortable motion and fewer flare-ups, not a quick fix.

Gentle jaw mobilization: the doctor uses light, controlled movements of the jaw joint to help improve opening and side-to-side motion. Neck and upper-back adjustments: because the jaw and neck work together, restoring motion in the upper spine may reduce the load on the jaw muscles.

Posture and ergonomics: small changes to how you sit, use screens and rest can reduce the forward-head posture and neck tension that add to jaw strain.

Jaw exercises and habit changes: you'll learn a relaxed resting jaw position (lips together, teeth apart, tongue resting lightly on the roof of your mouth), gentle opening exercises and simple ways to notice and stop daytime clenching.

When clenching or grinding at night is part of the problem, we coordinate with your dentist, who can decide whether a night guard is right for you. Research on chiropractic and other hands-on care for TMD is still developing, and individual results vary.

Services used for TMJ disorder:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Wellness Care

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for TMJ disorder at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your jaw symptoms — when they started, whether your jaw clicks or catches, any clenching or grinding, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: the doctor checks how your jaw opens, closes and moves side to side, gently examines the jaw joint and chewing muscles, and assesses your neck and posture to find the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include gentle jaw and neck care, posture guidance and home exercises, or coordination with your dentist or physician when another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Eat soft foods during flare-ups and cut food into small pieces.
• Avoid chewing gum, very chewy foods and wide yawning; support your chin when you yawn.
• Use heat or ice on the jaw for 10 to 15 minutes, whichever feels better.
• Keep your jaw relaxed: lips together, teeth apart.
• Watch for daytime clenching, for example at your desk, while driving or when concentrating.