TMJ disorder causes jaw pain. You may hear clicking or popping when you chew or talk. Some people get headaches near the temples. Others have a jaw that locks or feels stuck. Clenching, grinding, stress, or an old injury often play a part. As a result, eating, talking, and even sleeping can get hard. Osteopathic treatment looks at the whole picture, not just the joint.
Why does TMJ disorder rarely stay in the jaw?
Your jaw links to your neck and upper spine. Muscles and soft tissue join them. So, TMJ issues rarely stay in the jaw alone. Tight neck and shoulder muscles often pull on the jaw. In the same way, a tight jaw can tighten the neck. That is why treating the jaw alone does not always bring lasting relief.
How does osteopathic treatment help TMJ disorder?
Osteopathic treatment looks at the whole chain. That means the jaw, the neck, and the upper back. First, your practitioner checks how your jaw moves. Next, they use hands-on techniques to ease tight muscles. Then they work on how the jaw and neck move together. They also look at posture, because poor posture can keep the problem going.
What does the research say?
The evidence for this approach is strong. For that reason, Mehrbod Atshani co-authored a systematic review on osteopathy for TMJ and jaw pain. He is the osteopath behind Elora Wellness. The review came from his other clinic, Best Osteopathy in Vancouver. It looks at how manual therapy changes jaw movement and pain.
How soon will you notice a difference?
Many people feel better after just a few sessions. Eating and talking often get easier first. This happens once the tension pattern starts to ease. However, results vary. For this reason, your practitioner reviews your progress after the first few visits.
Your jaw and neck work closely together. Because of this, our post on neck pain and osteopathic treatment is worth a look. You can also explore our osteopathy services.
For more information, you can email us, or book your appointment.
