Jaw Pain
The lower jaw is connected to the skull by the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) which is located in front of each ear. These are complicated joints which allow the lower jaw to open, close, slide and rotate. On an average, the TMJ is used over 5000 times each day when we we chew, swallow, yawn, smile, laugh, eat and speak!
TMJ pain is mainly caused due to damage to the joint itself. Any kind of trauma can affect the TMJ can cause immense pain and dysfunction. Mostly sports injuries, car accidents, dental work may be the reason of TMJ disorder. Other things like excessive gum chewing, teeth clenching, nail biting, holding a phone between your shoulder and the side of the head are potential threats as well. The symptoms of TMJ vary from person to person and can affect one or both joints. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and may include clicking or popping of the joint, pain with or without chewing, locking of the jaw toothache, facial and/or neck pain, headaches, earaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and clogged or stuffy ear.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic
TMJ pain and dysfunction can be helped through Upper Cervical Chiropractic. Upper cervical x-rays are taken and adjustments are made with the purpose of correcting the alignment of the upper cervical spine. This can have dramatic effects on those that are suffering with jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction. Because the upper neck is intimately connected to jaw function both because of posture and nerve connections.
The upper cervical doctors are experts in the top two bones in the neck and, most importantly, the brain stem. When a misalignment occurs between the head and neck at the level of the top two bones in the neck, brain to body communication is disrupted. This can result in TMJ pain, facial pain, ringing in the ears, headaches and much more.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic was developed by B.J.Palmer in the starting of 1930s and is a branch of Chiropractic. This gentle, non-evasive approach makes a dramatic impact on the central nervous system, which affects almost every function of the human anatomy which include feeling sensations in your fingers to regulating hormones, controlling movement, and providing the ability to hear, see, think, and breathe.
What to Do Next
If you suffer from TMJ and are searching for natural relief, upper cervical chiropractic is a good place to look. An upper cervical chiropractor can do more than just help your posture. These two uppermost neck bones being aligned properly can relieve TMJ symptoms, headaches, and many other related conditions. Why not have an upper cervical specialist check out your neck to see if you could benefit from this specific and gentle type of chiropractic care.
Dr. Reanna Plancich of Discover Health Chiropractic in Seattle, Washington is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Her upper cervical clinic also serves the Northwest Seattle area of University District, Wallingford, Wedgwood, Montlake and Capitol Hill. She is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, whiplash and auto injuries. More information can be found on her website at https://www.discoverchiropracticinseattle.com/