If you’re suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. Headaches, jaw pain, clicking and popping of the jaw, and ear pain are some symptoms that can make everyday activities very difficult. You may wonder if there’s anything you can do to find relief. Seeing a chiropractor may be able to help. Here are seven major benefits of having a chiropractor treat this condition.
1. Relief from Pain
One of the most common reasons people see a chiropractor is for pain relief. If you’re struggling with regular headaches or pain in your jaw, neck, and shoulders, your chiropractor will work to relieve the tension in your muscles and joints, which can help to reduce or eliminate your pain. A few sessions with a chiropractor can often provide significant relief.
2. Increased Range of Motion
Another common benefit of chiropractic care for TMJ is improved range of motion. When you suffer from TMJ, your range of motion in your jaw may be decreased. That can make it difficult to eat, speak, and yawn. If you’ve been dealing with stiffness and reduced mobility in your jaw, seeing a chiropractor can help to loosen things up and improve your overall function.
3. Improved Sleep
Finding a comfortable sleeping position cannot be easy when you suffer from TMJ. That can lead to restless nights and fatigue during the day. If you cannot get a good night’s sleep because of TMJ pain, seeing a chiropractor can help. A chiropractor can provide adjustments that will help to realign your jaw, neck, and head, allowing you to sleep more soundly. In addition, chiropractors can advise on other lifestyle changes that can improve your sleep, such as avoiding caffeine before bed and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
4. Improved Breathing
If your TMJ is caused by misaligned teeth or a bad bite, it can lead to difficulty breathing. That is because the muscles and tissues in your mouth and throat cannot function properly when your jaw is out of alignment. Seeing a chiropractor for TMJ treatment can help improve your breathing by correcting the alignment of your jaw.
5. Better Digestion
Because TMJ can cause misalignment in the jaws, this can lead to difficulty properly chewing food resulting in indigestion and other digestive issues. However, chiropractic care can help to realign the jaws and improve chewing function, leading to better digestion.
6. Clearer Thinking
When you have TMJ, the pain and discomfort can make it difficult to focus on anything else. That can lead to brain fog and difficulty thinking clearly. However, when you receive chiropractic care for TMJ, the pain is relieved, and you can think more clearly.
7. Emotional Well-Being
When you are in pain, it’s hard to focus on anything else. That can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain and improve your overall emotional well-being. By seeing a chiropractor for TMJ treatment, you can help reduce the stress in your life which, in turn, can help improve your overall emotional well-being. In addition, the relaxation that comes with getting chiropractic care can also help to reduce stress levels.
Chiropractic care may be an option worth investigating if you’re looking for a natural way to treat TMJ. Chiropractic treatment for TMJ typically involves gentle manipulation of the jaw to improve alignment and relieve pain. Chiropractors may also offer advice on how to avoid triggering TMJ symptoms through lifestyle changes or stress management.
