Exploring Chiropractic TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatments
Your temporomandibular joints are two joints in front of each ear that connect your lower jaw to the skull. These joints can be injured or damaged due to aging, congenital issues, injury or trauma, stress, bruxism, or underlying medical conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause jaw pain, stiffness, headaches and migraines, neck pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. At Pontious Chiropractic, Dr. Jess Pontious can determine the extent of your TMJ disorder and help you find safe, nonsurgical relief. Here is a look at how we treat TMJ disorder using chiropractic care in Danville, CA.
Manual Adjustments
Dr. Pontious can perform manual adjustments of your jaw joint and the muscles and ligaments surrounding it to relieve pain and inflammation and improve function and range of motion. He may also recommend cervical adjustments, the Activator Technique, or instrument-assisted adjustments to address tension, misalignment, and dysfunction of the cervical spine.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue therapy involves the use of gentle pressure and massage that targets the muscles and ligaments around your jaw. This can ease tension, relieve pain, improve circulation, and restore range of motion.
Therapeutic Exercises
Therapeutic exercises can lengthen and strengthen the muscles that support the jaw and the temporomandibular joint. This can improve range of motion and joint stability and make it easier to talk, eat, and chew. Therapeutic exercises can also reduce your risk of further jaw stiffness and discomfort.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for TMJ disorder. Dr. Pontious will use a small, handheld device to direct low levels of laser light to your jaw joint and surrounding soft tissues. As your body responds to the light, it will begin biological healing processes that reduce inflammation, relieve pain, promote healing in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles and tissues, and improve jaw function.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy can offer a deeper level of treatment for TMJ disorder, targeting the deep muscles and soft tissues of the jaw and neck. Dr. Pontious will use a device to direct shockwaves to the affected area. The shockwaves target injured tissues and promote a healing response in the body. Shockwave therapy can break up calcification, promote tissue repair, relieve pain and inflammation, and accelerate cellular and tissue regeneration.
Explore Your Options for TMJ Disorder Treatment
At Pontious Chiropractic, Dr. Pontious and our team can help you explore safe, nonsurgical, and drug-free treatment options for TMJ disorder. Dr. Pontious will determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, determine if you have damage to your jaw joint or the surrounding structures, and design a personalized TMJ disorder treatment plan. We use chiropractic therapies that are non-invasive and that jumpstart the body’s own natural healing processes. To learn more about your options for TMJ disorder treatment in Danville, CA, call us now to schedule an appointment.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
TMJ Disorders