The South Elgin Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor South Elgin

When it Hurts to Open Your Mouth

headaches and neck pain image.

Does it hurt when you open your mouth? When you eat? When you yawn? When you talk? Do you hear "clicking" or "popping" noises when you open your mouth? Have you considered or have you been told that you have TMJ?

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, is named for the temporomandibular joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, right below both ears. These joints are made up of bones, muscles, and nerves that work together to help your jaw move when you eat, talk and yawn.

Symptoms of TMJ may include:

  • Pain in the jaw
  • Chronic headaches/migraines
  • Ear pain or ringing in the ears
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Clicking or popping noises in the temporomandibular joint when you open your mouth
  • Dizziness/lightheadedness
  • A feeling that your bite, the way your upper and lower teeth fit together, isn't right

Causes of TMJ? Common causes of TMJ include injury to the jaw, whiplash, teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis and stress. TMJ is diagnosed more often in women than in men.

Treatment usually consists of:

  • Application of ice/heat
  • Eating soft foods that don't stress the joint
  • Biofeedback/counseling/stress-reduction techniques
  • A mouth guard or night guard to prevent clenching and grinding
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications (OTC pain relievers, muscle relaxers, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications)
  • Dental procedures such as orthodontics (braces), dental restorations and realignment of bridges and crowns that may correct dental abnormalities thought to contribute to TMJ.
  • For many TMJ sufferers, chiropractic care has proven to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of TMJ. Chiropractors can perform range-of-motion and mobility tests and they are uniquely trained to locate and correct spinal misalignments that may contribute to TMJ, especially when there has been any type of injury or trauma to the head or neck.

If you believe you have TMJ, or you have been diagnosed with this condition, we can often create a treatment plan that doesn't include the use of medications or surgery. We will also work with other health care professionals, if needed, to create a multi-disciplinary approach.

Please be sure to inform us if you are having any jaw pain/problems when you come in for your next chiropractic appointment.

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Dr. Curt Asks some important questions of interest to South Elgin residents - Chiropractor South Elgin Dr. Curt Asks...

How long will you need chiropractic care?
You'll need chiropractic care as long as you live in South Elgin and encounter physical, chemical or emotional stress that you cannot adapt to or accommodate. Ready to get started? Call our office today.
Are aches and pains good or bad?
While aches or pains may be unpleasant, they're merely warning signs. As a South Elgin chiropractor, I see this all the time. The pain is not the problem! It just means a limitation has been reached and something needs to change. That's when we get to work correcting the underlying cause.