TMJ Specialist Brisbane.

Chiropractic for Jaw/TMJ Pain

Chiropractic and TMJ Pain / Jaw Pain, Brisbane: what is it, ways of treatment, and how we can help

Different Names for Jaw Pain

Bruxism, TMJ, TMD - these are all different names to describe the same condition. 

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. The TMJ is the anatomical term to describe the jaw joint. 

TMD is temporomandibular disorders, TMJD is temporomandibular jaw disorders - they basically just mean disorders of the jaw joint. 

Bruxism is the term of teeth clenching, or teeth grinding.

How is TMD diagnosed? 

There are currently no standardised testing methods for accurately diagnosing TMJ disorders. 

Generally we take note of your description of symptoms and look into your dental and health histories. Assessment of the problem areas, including the head, neck, face, and jaw will also be done. 

In some cases, additional imaging may be recommended.

What does Jaw Pain feel like?

  • Jaw pain can manifest in many different ways. It can feel like:

    • Radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck

    • Stiffness in the jaw joint or muscles

    • Limited movement

    • Locking of the jaw

    • Painful or non painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth

  • What Can Cause TMJ Disorders?

    • Dental (tooth) issues - New fillings or dentures causing an uneven bite. Sometimes the jaw joint can be tight after being in a prolonged open position at the dentist

    • Wear and tear of the joint, usually caused by osteoarthritis

    • Direct injury to the jaw

    • Head or neck injury

    • Jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which may be linked to stress or difficulties breathing while sleeping

    • Other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or gout

TMJ: when Should You See A Chiropractor for Jaw Pain?

You can consult a chiropractor for your jaw pain if it’s from muscular tightness or other musculoskeletal related injuries to the jaw. Because the causes of jaw pain can be broad, it’s best to give us a call and pop in so we can conduct a thorough assessment. 

If needed to, we may refer you out for X-rays to better understand your problem. Imaging specifically to view the jaw may be referred out if needed. 

If the cause of your jaw pain is due to a problem that cannot be sorted out by a chiropractor, we will refer you to the appropriate specialists.

TMJ Pain: How Tan Chiro Can Help

 

Spinal Manipulation

 

Chiropractors are highly trained in assessing for restriction in spinal joints (it’s the main thing we do all day, every day!). 

Chiropractic manipulations and techniques are modified to suit different body types.
Some people may respond well to firm manipulation techniques, some are more suited to gentle low force techniques which include Activator & Drop Piece adjusting. 

We check you out and take your preferences and conditions into consideration before starting with treatment!

 

Dry Needling Therapy

 

Dr Jace is also proficient at dry needling therapy and uses it to complement your treatment.

 

Muscular Stretching & Other Advice

 

We also prescribe different stretches and take-home exercises you can do to speed up your recovery. In some cases, additional advice regarding various supplements or vitamins intake will also be given to help you along. 

 

Speak to an experienced chiropractor about your back pain

  • See also

    Your spine is made up of 24 small bones called vertebrae. They are stacked on top of each other with discs in the middle. The discs act as shock absorbers and give your spine flexibility to bend and rotate.
    Vertebrae are joined together by joints called ‘facet’ joints which allows the spine to bend and rotate. These joints and your spine are further held together by a network of ligaments and muscles to provide support but also allowing movement at the same time.
    These structures can be the source of back pain, and in most cases pain does not necessarily mean significant damage.
    Back pain can be caused by:

    • Weak back and abdominal muscles

    • Poor posture

    • Prolonged sitting

    • Muscle strain or spasm or fatigue

    • Little to no physical exertion

    • Increased weight

    • Pregnancy-related weakness

Bulk billing and ADF $400 benefit now available

Get bulk billing on TMJ specialists in Brisbane

Are part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Family Health Program? If so, you should be entitled to $400 which could be spent on allied health and medical specialists. Under the program members are entitled $400 per financial year for each registered dependant of this benefit. Click here for more information.

Bulk billing is also available to eligible patients.

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