As 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. Bettencourt will tell you that the research shows just how much chiropractic care can help ease ache in the TMJ.
Research Supports Chiropractic Helps With TMJ Pain and Discomfort
For example, one study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice included 15 participants with jaw pain who were managed with neck adjustments, middle-back manipulation, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Individuals were assessed prior to these treatments and at two weeks and two months post-treatment. The clinicians reported positive outcomes such as reduced discomfort, greater jaw movement, and lower disability at both follow-ups.
Another research study conducted an analysis of almost 800 papers involving manual and manipulative therapy for disorders such as TMJ and discovered similar findings. The group concluded that there is a "fair...level of evidence" that chiropractic care can help ease discomfort associated with jaw pain and other upper extremity disorders.
This is great news since the triggers of TMJ are largely unknown. While trauma to the jaw or neck can cause pain symptoms, there are other factors to consider as well, such as grinding teeth, arthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to tension.
Dr. Bettencourt Can Help Patients Find Comfort From TMJ Pain
No matter what is making your jaw ache, call Dr. Bettencourt now and make an appointment to come into our Napa, CA practice. We'll do our best to help you smile pain-free!
Resources
- 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.