TMJ Treatment in Winnipeg
If you grind your teeth or experience jaw discomfort, headaches, or difficulty opening and closing the jaw, you’re not alone. According to the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) or TMD affect 25% to 30% of the population.
How Posture Affects TMJ
Ideally, the head should align directly over the shoulders. However, when the head shifts forward, it adds extra tension to the muscles connecting the upper back, neck, and jaw, leading to more pulling and strain. If the head is also tilting or bending to one side, it can create even more pressure on one side of the jaw, making TMJ symptoms even worse. We often see this in people with tighter necks or upper backs, which only adds to the jaw’s tension.
Also, if the jaw opens more from one side than the other, this creates unatural pressure that wears down the joint faster.
The Evaluation Process
Patients often report TMJ symptoms after dental procedures that require keeping the jaw open for extended periods, causing additional stress on the jaw. At Lindenwoods Chiropractic, our chiropractors conduct thorough evaluations to examine the jaw movement and see if it’s shifting more on one side.
Like any other joint in the body, the more distorted the range of motion, the faster it breaks down, leading to more stress and pressure in that area.
Providing Personalized Care That Offers Relief
Our chiropractic process for TMJ relief focuses on realigning the jaw, head, neck, and spine to reduce stress on the joints and muscles. Many patients with TMJ also experience headaches, ear pain, or jaw discomfort, all of which can be improved by addressing posture and proper jaw motion.
In addition to chiropractic care, we also recommend exercises like the Wall Angel and Titanic Postural Exercise to help correct posture. These exercises aim to bring the head backward and improve alignment.
Heat therapy (e.g., applying a warm cloth to the face) and gentle massage of the jaw muscles can also provide relief.
Stop the Pop and Kick the Click
Put bothersome TMJ symptoms in the past. Contact Lindenwoods Chiropractic today to book an appointment.
