Do you ever experience pain, tightness, or clicking in your jaw? Did you know that chiropractors can help to alleviate some of these symptoms?
Our temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located just in front of our ears and are surrounded by cranial muscles and muscles that are responsible for chewing and moving your jaw. The main players here are the temporalis, masseter, and pterygoids (internal and external). The TMJ and muscles surrounding it can become irritated by excess chewing, especially of very hard foods, clenching or grinding of the teeth (either while sleeping or during the day due to excess stress), and also by holding the mouth open for extended periods of time following a dentist appointment for example.
In the article written by Martins et al. titled “Efficacy of Musculoskeletal Manual Approach in the Treatment of temporomandibular Joint Disorder: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis” eight articles were compared (hundreds were reviewed however did not meet the criteria) regarding temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and a musculoskeletal manual treatment approach. A musculoskeletal manual treatment approach as defined in this article includes “various manipulations of body tissues, muscles and bones by hands or equipment in order to improve health and circulation, relieve fatigue and promote healing.”
What they found was by using a musculoskeletal manual manipulations approach patients experienced a decrease in pain and an increase in range of motion when actively opening their mouth. Active range of motion implies the individual is moving the muscles and joints without any assistance. The conclusion of this article stated not only are musculoskeletal manipulations approaches effective for treating TMD but they also provide a larger effect when compared to other conservative treatments.
If you’ve been experiencing any pain or clicking in your jaw let us at Premiere Spine & Sport know because we would be more than happy to examine the region and let you know how we specifically can help!
References:
Wagner Rodrigues Martins, Juscelino Castro Blasczyk, Micaele Aparecida Furlan de Oliveira, Karina Ferreira Lagoa Gonçalves, Ana Clara Bonini-Rocha, Pierre-Michel Dugailly, Ricardo Jaco de Oliveira, “Efficacy of Musculoskeletal Manual Approach in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.” Man Ther. 2016 Feb; 21: 10–17. Published online 2015 Jun 25. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.06.009
