TMJ Problems - What are your choices?

A guest post by:

David A. Torkko, DC

Tigard Family Chiropractic

Dr. Justin Marostica and I have teamed up to help you better understand TMJ issues and what your treatment choices are. The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint where your lower jaw hinges to your occiput (head). It is a fairly complex joint that has a disc pad for cushion and has many powerful muscles that attach to it for chewing and grinding of food. In this blog I will share the options and approaches that have proven successful in my practice.

Common problems affecting the TMJ can manifest as headaches, night/day grinding, clinching, neck pains, jaw and facial pains, popping and pain with chewing, tightness in the neck muscles and shoulders, stress and fatigue. If you have been diagnosed and feel that TMJ is an issue, Dr. Marostica and I have some great options to help you recover. 

What I do for TMJ as a chiropractor:

1st – Thorough evaluation of the cervical spine (neck):

a) Why look at the neck? Out of the cervical spine come the nerves that control and power the TMJ joint and attach muscles. Pain is carried through nerves so the spine (human fuse box) is an overlooked but essential element to assess in TMJ issues. Abnormal spinal vertebra alignment irritates and compresses the delicate spinal nerves and causes pain that can show up in the TMJ = referred pain.

b) The TMJ muscles are controlled by the cervical (neck) nerves and improper nerve impulses ultimately create imbalances in the jaw muscles that open and close the jaw. Over time it wears on the TMJ and causes chronic inflammation and pain. 

2nd – Thorough evaluation at the TMJ:

a) Palpation and range of motion evaluation at the TMJ helps me understand the quality of the joint movement and alignment. When or where the TMJ catches, locks, or becomes painful is important in the assessment process. 

3rd – Radiography:

a) X-rays may be required to better understand the dynamic relationship between the TMJ and the cervical spine. This process would also identify any biomechanical pathologies

4th – Treatment - I use a multifaceted approach for TMJ care. Here is a basic outline of protocols 

that have proven successful:

1. Gentle spinal care to regain proper nerve function to the TMJ and adjacent muscles.

2. Gentle functional alignment of the TMJ through the use of the ArthroStim to regain balance of motion in the jaw.

3. FDA approved cold laser; class 3B laser utilizing the Med-X Laser to heal and regenerate damage and inflamed tissues within the TMJ.

This functional treatment program along with TMJ splints or other treatment techniques Dr. Marostica may implement provides safe, effective, and conservative approach to TMJ management and healing.

For further questions, please contact our office at 503-595-6777 or go to our website at www.TigardChiropractic.com. I personally look forward to helping you in your healing journey!

Yours in health, 

David A. Torkko, DC