STOP JAWIN' ABOUT JAW PROBLEMS!

The spine is the central support structure of the body, and it houses the spinal cord or central nervous system that connects the brain with every other part of the body. One of the least thought of structures as being associated with the spine is the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, your jaw joint. It is not commonly known that chiropractors work with TMJ problems.

The top two vertebrae in your neck, the atlas and axis, are right below the skull and right behind and connected to the TMJ. The TMJ has one of the highest concentrations of nerve receptors of any joint in the body, and when the TMJ is tracking or moving improperly those receptors start firing, and it keys up the nervous system. It activates the sympathetic nervous system and puts a person into constant “fight or flight” mode. Common symptoms include tension and migraine headaches, facial and dental pain, ringing in the ears, ear pain and understandably TMJ pain. A person may also experience locking of the jaw, inability to close or open the jaw completely, clicking sounds or sensations and painful chewing.

Dentists collaborate with chiropractors in the treatment of TMJ problems and vice versa. If I do not see results after a few adjustments, I refer them to their dentist or one that specializes in TMJ problems if the issue is severe. Likewise, if a dentist is not seeing results they should and do refer to a chiropractor. The TMJ is essentially just another significant joint in the line of joints in the spine and is closely associated with nervous system disruptions. Most of the chewing muscles attach to the upper cervical vertebrae, so the TMJ is just an extension of the spine! When treating the TMJ we look at and adjust the upper cervical vertebrae as well as the TMJ itself. That is why a dentist should collaborate with a chiropractor because most do not or cannot “adjust” and correct the joint disfunction.

So, if your cousin Joanne is constantly jawin’ about her TMJ problems, have her call us at Heib Chiropractic Clinic conveniently located in south Portage on Centre Avenue near Shaver Road. Our number is (269) 324-0100. We are eager to do our job on Joanne’s or anyone else’s jaw and keep them healthy and fit!