The most common reasons for visiting a chiropractor are to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. Chiropractors are so good at it that it surprises many that they can get rid of other ailments as well. Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ is one such ailment that chiropractic care can treat and reduce. Before we start on the treatment, it is important to know all about the ailment itself.

Defining TMJ

TMJ is the short version of the name: Temporomandibular joint disorder. The proper way to describe it is as a group of disorders. In the case of these disorders, there is a joining point in the middle of your jaw as well as the skull. When you are diagnosed with TMJ, the connecting point in the middle of your jaw and skull widens while you experience a rising pain. 

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of the disorder greatly vary from one person to the other. However, there are quite a few problems that patients commonly experience when diagnosed with TMJ. The most common symptom is the feeling of pain in your jaw. It is followed by difficulties in chewing, headache as well as neck pain.

There are a few examples of the patients feeling somewhat dizzy as well. If you experience any problems that are similar to these, then it is vital to visit your local chiropractor.

The Role Played By Chiropractors

The job of your chiropractor is to alleviate tension. It aims to eliminate the dysfunctions on your spine as well. When the chiropractor alleviates the spinal dysfunction, it helps to diminish the pressure you feel on different nerves. As a result of it, the pain people associate with TMJ starts to get alleviated.

There are quite a few patients suffering from TMJ who are in need of constant care. If they have someone to care for them continually, they will be able to keep the pain away. However, they should seek help from a chiropractor beforehand.

Now, if you have jaw pain, then chiropractors deal with it a bit differently. They keep their focus limited to just three muscles: the masseter, temporalis and pterygoid. Some chiropractors are likely to focus on the suboccipital muscles as well as the jaw joint. There are quite a few other soft tissue techniques which can be done at home by the patients themselves.

You can take the challenge of the soft tissue work on the pterygoid for yourself. However, you will still have to consult the chiropractor beforehand. In order to release the pterygoid, you need to strongly grip the cheek. 

When they complete the soft tissues work for jaw pain, it can be adjusted. Afterward, an assessment is carried out for the jaw and another adjustment needs to be done. You also have the option of receiving TMJ treatment by using dry needling for a tight jaw.

To conclude, chiropractic care is a fine solution for TMJ patients. So, if you think you might have TMJ, just pay a visit to your chiropractor in Mesa, AZ to fixe your ailment!

Thanks to Lifecare Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and TMJ treatment.

Many people suffer pain from an injury or an unknown source, and receiving chiropractic treatment can be one way to alleviate some of it. A chiropractor works with a patient’s joints and muscles as a gateway to positive nervous system function. It is a popular treatment for those who have tried other options or are not yet interested in medication for their pain. Here are some of the top questions you may have about chiropractor work.

Do You Need a Referral?

Fortunately, you don’t need a referral from a professional to see a chiropractor. If you feel a chiropractor will help fix your pain problems, you can call one of your choosing and make an appointment.

What Does Chiropractic Care Treat?

Chiropractic work focuses heavily on back pain, neck pain, and headaches, as those can be problems that haven’t been fixed by other treatments. However, chiropractors will see people with all kinds of issues depending on the area of pain and the individual. They may also work with patients who have suffered injuries. A chiropractor can be a good person to seek advice from on lifestyle choices, too, like diet and exercise to get you back to your old self.

Is Chiropractic Safe?

This treatment has been proven to be one of the safest forms of non-medication options for pain. As with all medical treatments, underlying health issues could create problems during a chiropractic visit, so it’s essential to inform the professional of your exact pain. Treatments are based on each individual’s needs.

Is Chiropractic Okay for Children?

It is perfectly fine for kids to see a chiropractor. They may be even more susceptible to injuries from playing with friends or in sports, and seeing a chiropractor can be a great way to ensure they get the proper aid as they continue to grow and develop.

Are There Insurance Plans for Chiropractic?

Chiropractic care is included in most insurance plans, like private individual plans and employer workers’ comp plans. You may want to call your insurance agency to confirm that an office visit is covered in your plan. Some plans hold you to certain requirements before you can see a chiropractor, like getting a specific referral.

Not all treatments work for everyone. Looking into all the potential options to alleviate your pain may be important in treating it. Contact a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Baltimore, MD, for a consultation to see if they can fix what no one else has yet been able to.

Thank you to the clinicians and experts at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care.

Pain and discomfort know no bounds. People of all ages and walks of life can succumb to a variety of physical issues. Pregnant women understand this as well as anyone. The nine months of pregnancy can be an exciting time of anticipation and joy. The effects on the woman’s body can also be difficult to bear. As the woman’s body changes, there can be a lot of pressure on her hips, pelvis, knees, and back. These feelings intensify as the weeks go on and the delivery date draws closer. While a pregnant woman may never be pain-free, a chiropractor’s treatment can help considerably.

Safe and Effective

There has long been debate over the usefulness and safety of treating pregnant women with chiropractic adjustments. Some women worry about how the visits will affect their well-being and health of their developing fetus. However, no definitive evidence exists that shows that this treatment is dangerous to the patient or her baby. Chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery with these treatments, so women don’t have to worry about any side effects that could result.

Adjusting The Adjustments

Typical chiropractic treatment includes a spinal adjustment. This is the most common method to relieve pains in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, and hands. The chiropractor has the patient lie down on a table to do this. Next, the chiropractor places his or her hands on the patient’s back. Using direct, controlled pressure, the doctor will manipulate the person’s spine and move it into the right place. The doctor will customize the treatment for pregnant women. In this situation, the woman may sit in a chair rather than lie down. A chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Silver Spring, MD, will also adjust the pressure and may even use an instrument. The doctor may provide a cushion or pillow for comfort.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Adjustments are good for pregnant women whose posture is suffering. It may also be effective at correcting a curved back or changes to the patient’s pelvis. Adjustments can make it more tolerable for the woman to be on her feet for long periods of time. The treatment may also reduce the severity and frequency of headaches and lower back pain.

Some Exceptions

There are times when a pregnant woman shouldn’t visit the chiropractor. Women who have an ectopic pregnancy or who have vaginal bleeding should wait until after labor and delivery to make an appointment.

If you are expecting, chiropractic visits can be complementary to your doctor’s office checkups. You can better manage your pain level during your pregnancy.

Thanks to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into pregnant women going to see the chiropractor.