TMJ: Is it the TMJ or is it something else?

TMJ problems affect women more than men.

People are often surprised to learn that chiropractic can help with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems (also called Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD). The TMJ is really two bones coming together - the temporal bone and the mandible (jaw) to form the TMJ. Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:

• pain with chewing
• generalized pain in the jaw
• pain in and around the ear
• clicking in the jaw 
• headaches
• pain in the neck
• tinnitus
• teeth not fitting together properly (malocclusion)

Structures in the body are connected. Although TMJ dysfunction is often the chief complaint in terms of symptoms, the cause of the discomfort may actually be coming from somewhere else in the body. Other things that might be causing the TMJ to not function properly include:

• pelvic imbalance of the sacroiliac joint (1-5)
• problems in the cervical spine (2)
• cranial imbalances (in structures other than the TMJ)
• problems in the soft tissue of the neck and head (which relate to the other skeletal issues)
• dental malocclusion of the bite

A lot of times I find that so-called TMJ problems really aren't TMJ problems at all. I will work on other structures in the body, especially the pelvis, cervical spine and cranial bones in the head and the TMJ symptoms disappear. That said, there are times when the TMJ needs to be worked on. There are GENTLE chiropractic adjustments for the joint itself and the soft tissue structures of the face and neck. 

---

SOT® is an advanced form of chiropractic that deals with the bones in the head.

​However, depending on the nature of the condition, chiropractic may not be enough to resolve the presenting TMJ issues. That is where co-management of the condition is necessary with a dentist. A dentist may use an appliance in the mouth or otherwise adjust the bite. It is important that the structures of the body including the pelvis and cranium be in balance before the fitting of such an appliance or adjusting the bite. It is also important to examine the pelvis, cervical spine and cranium after the fitting of an appliance to ensure stability of the entire system.  I am happy to work with any dentist on achieving the best possible outcome for my patients. 

Sacro-Occipital Technic® (SOT®) is a gentle form of chiropractic that includes cranial work. I am the only chiropractor in Pinellas county that is certified in SOT® Methods and only one of two in the Tampa area. SOT® doctors have been working with dentists effectively for years and have presented and published research both in the United States and internationally on co-management of TMJ conditions. 

Please contact my office to schedule an appointment to see if you can benefit from my unique ways of addressing TMJ problems. Call 727-509-3760 or click on the link above to schedule online. 

1. Gregory, TM. Temporomandibular Disorder Associated with Sacroiliac Sprain Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics May 1993; 16(4): 256-65
2. Fink M, Wahling K, Stiesch-Scholz M, Tschernitschek H. The functional relationship between the craniomandibular system, cervical spine, and the sacroiliac joint: a preliminary investigation. Cranio. 2003 Jul;21(3):202-8.
3. Chinappi AS, Getzoff H, A new management model for treating structural-based disorders, dental orthopedic and chiropractic co-treatment Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1994; 17: 614-9.
4. Chinappi AS, Getzoff H, Chiropractic/Dental Cotreatment of Lumbosacral Pain with Temporomandibular Joint Involvement Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Nov/Dec 1996; 19(9): 607-12.
5. Chinappi AS, Getzoff H, The dental-chiropractic cotreatment of structural disorders of the jaw and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Sep 1995; 18(7): 476-81.

---