Since trauma to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently quite painful, we do our best to help our Napa, CA patients find relief as quickly and effectively as possible. In fact, Dr. Roxann Bettencourt, DC will tell you that the medical literature shows just how much chiropractic can help ease discomfort in the TMJ.
For instance, one study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice involved 15 people with temporomandibular disorders who were managed with neck adjustments, middle-back manipulation, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Patients were assessed prior to these therapies and at two weeks and two months post-treatment. The researchers reported positive results such as reduced pain, greater jaw mobility, and lower impairment at both follow-ups.
Another research paper conducted a review of almost 800 studies involving manual and manipulative therapy for conditions such as TMJ and revealed similar findings. The group concluded that there is a "fair...level of evidence" that chiropractic care can help ease pain associated with jaw pain and other upper extremity disorders.
This is great news since the causes of TMJ are largely unknown. While trauma to the jaw area can cause pain symptoms, there are other causes to consider as well, such as grinding teeth, arthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to stress.
No matter what is making your jaw ache, call Dr. Roxann Bettencourt, DC now and make an appointment to come into our Napa, CA office. We'll do our best to help you smile pain-free!
Sources
- Gonzalez-Iglesias J et al. (2013, November). Mobilization with movement, thoracic spine manipulation, and dry needling for the management of temporomandibular disorder: a prospective case series. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice;29(8):586-95
- Brantingham J et al. (2013, March-April). Manipulative and multimodal therapy for upper extremity and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics;36(3):143-201
- Oral Care. WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd on November 2, 2015
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Dr. Bettencourt
At Ranch Chiropractic our approach is unique and different! We see you as an individual with a unique set of needs, and we see Chiropractic health care as the means to help retrain your body to take care of itself. As you grow older, the stress of everyday life, repetitive motion at work, injuries and falls, or just plain living can compromise your body’s ability to cope. Our mission is to provide affordable, effective, “results-driven” patient centered Care.