Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. It’s not just an adult issue; children can suffer from TMJ too, and this is often overlooked. In adults, TMJ typically manifests as pain or tenderness in the jaw, aching pain in and around the ear, difficulty chewing, and discomfort while speaking. Children, on the other hand, might present symptoms like jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or even unexplained headaches and earaches. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making diagnosis and treatment crucial for both age groups.

The development of TMJ or jaw issues can be influenced by a range of factors spanning from the birthing process to adulthood. During birth, the intense pressure and potential trauma can sometimes lead to misalignment in a newborn’s jaw or cervical spine, laying the groundwork for TMJ issues later in life. As children grow, habits such as thumb-sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier, or even chewing on hard objects can exert undue stress on the jaw, potentially leading to misalignment or muscle strain. In both adults and children, factors like dental problems, poor posture, and stress-induced jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism) can significantly contribute to the development of TMJ disorders. In adults, additional factors such as certain types of dental work, trauma to the jaw or face, and even arthritis can exacerbate the condition. Understanding these varied causes is crucial in identifying and treating TMJ effectively, as it underscores the importance of a holistic approach to diagnosis and therapy.

At Welcome To Wellness, we treat TMJ, jaw pain, clicking, and muscle tension issues. We use chiropractic techniques (without the crack) to realign the bones and muscles the way they are supposed to be positioned. When the neck or shoulders are holding tension it extends to the jaw since the jaw is connected to the neck! If one or the other are not in proper alignment, then you will not fully heal. This is why a holistic approach to jaw issues is important for you. Our methods work with how stress is stored in the body. Stress from life (physical, emotional, mental, chemical/toxins, etc.) can store in the nervous system and create tension that doesn’t resolve regardless of the massage, the thera-gun or the hot shower or heating pad. The reason these methods don’t bring complete relief is because they are not getting to the root cause of the jaw issues. That cycle of better-worse-better-worse-etc. is a loop that doesn’t have to continue. And, unfortunately, thinking that “maybe it will go away” also doesn’t work. Let’s get to the correct diagnosis AND correct support for you!