Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and how chiropractic can help

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a physical issue surrounding the movement of the jaw — it is commonly represented by a sharp or throbbing pain and mostly associated with clicking or popping in the jaw, especially when chewing, talking, or yawning. Specialised chiropractic treatment can help with TMD, providing effective pain relief and restoring normal jaw function.

What are Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)?

Temporomandibular disorder is a condition in which the joint responsible for connecting the skull and jawbone becomes strained or displaced, leading to pain when the jaw is moved. There are two Temporomandibular joints: one on each side of the jaw, which facilitate the free movement of the lower mouth.

TMD is relatively common - at least 34% of people worldwide experience the condition at least once in their lifetime. Research by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial found Temporomandibular disorder to be twice as common in women than in men, with a higher incidence between the ages of 20-40 years.

For most people, symptoms of Temporomandibular disorder gradually fade over time. However, statistics show that 5-12% of people develop a chronic form of Temporomandibular disorder that will require treatment.

Symptoms of Temporomandibular joint pain

Temporomandibular disorders can develop due to a number of reasons, such as impact or tension affecting the joint, joint misalignment, and bone-related conditions like arthritis or autoimmune diseases.

Temporomandibular joint pain is triggered during chewing and speaking, and is accompanied by a clicking or cracking sound in the jaw. Repeated jaw movements may cause a persistent ache or swelling in the facial area around the lower jaw, as well as the onset of tinnitus and dizziness.

How does chiropractic treatment help with TMD? 

Chiropractic treatment for TMD involves gentle manipulation and adjustments to realign the Temporomandibular joints and relax surrounding tissue. The muscles, tissues, and tendons of the jaw are closely connected to the neck and upper back, which chiropractic care is specialised in treating.

Chiropractic care for TMD will involve a combination of techniques, depending on the chiropractor’s initial assessment of the cause of TMD. 

• Gentle adjustments - Chiropractors apply slight force to the jaw and face to realign the Temporomandibular joint.
• Manual soft tissue manipulation - Massaging the muscles around the jaw and the upper neck with myofascial techniques to relieve tension.
• Mobilisation techniques - Making gradual movements in the jaw to increase flexibility and freedom of movement without any pain.

The goal of chiropractic treatment for TMD is to restore symmetry to both Temporomandibular joints, relax the jaw muscles that place excessive stress on the joint, and ultimately reduce the level of pain experienced.

The effectiveness of chiropractic care for TMD 

Several published medical journals have highlighted the effectiveness of chiropractic care for TMD. Most notably, the results of a 2023 study by Cureus involving chiropractic care for a 39-year-old female patient with TMD showed a complete recession of TMD symptoms after 4 weeks of chiropractic treatment. These results lasted a further 6 months with continued chiropractic treatment.

Another study in 2015 by the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine recorded an 80% reduction in the level of pain across a group of 14 patients with TMD after undergoing chiropractic care. An average of 13 chiropractic sessions were involved in the study. 

Is chiropractic treatment for TMD painful? 

Chiropractic techniques used during treatment for TMD are completely safe and mostly painless. In fact, many patients find chiropractic treatment to be relaxing and soothing. Chiropractors communicate with patients through the session to ensure that they feel comfortable and work to minimise any discomfort.

If you experience TMD pain on a consistent basis, it is worth booking a consultation with a chiropractor to find lasting relief for the pain. Spinal Works Chiropractic is a local Townsville Chiropractic care clinic offering specialised treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of TMD so that you can speak, eat, and enjoy your life without the fear of jaw pain.