If you or someone you know suffers from radiating pain in the face, neck and shoulders, locking or limited movement of the jaw; grinding, grating or pain when opening or closing the mouth, or a significant change or positioning problem with the way the upper and lower teeth fit together, then Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or TMD may be something you should discuss with your chiropractor. Symptoms can also progress to include headaches, earaches, hearing problems, dizziness and difficulty when swallowing.

A bigger problem is that even with this large combination of symptoms, the National Institute of Health agrees that there is no set standard used to diagnose this condition. This is another important reason to have a complete physical work up from a Doctor of Chiropractic who has training in this area.

Common causes of TMD include: small but repetitive trauma or movements; longer and more specific injuries directly involving the jaw joint - everything from chewing gum or chewing primarily on one side of the mouth, to a direct hit or blow to the jaw. Even emotional and physical stress can lead to TMJ involvement and the symptoms listed above.

One simple test to find out if you have a possible TMD problem is to see if you can open your mouth at least three finger-widths wide. If they don't fit because you can't open wide enough or if it causes a large click, a popping sound or shift in the smooth movement of your jaw joint just in front of the ear opening, you should see us about appropriate forms of treatment.

Chiropractors work with the alignment of the bones for the neck and jaw, as well as with the muscles of the neck and face and with the discs that can be displaced in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This can include manual manipulation by hand or with an instrument, massage of the soft tissues involved, splint therapy, ice or heat application, and working with your dentist.

Chiropractic has proven to be an excellent source of TMD treatment. We are specialists in joint dysfunction. Conservative chiropractic care for TMD is a smart place to start.

Function of the Temporomandibular Joint

The structures that make it possible to open and close your mouth include bones, joints and muscles. These are very specialized and must work together whenever you chew, speak or swallow. Your teeth are inserted in your jaw bone. At the top back end of the jaw bone are the temporomandibular joints. These joints attach the jaw to the skull. Muscles attach both the bones across the joints and allow them to move. Any problem which prevents the complex system of muscles, bones and joints from working together in harmony may result in TMJ Dysfunction.

TMD in Infants Affects Feeding

Studies show that birth-induced TMD is the most common cause of breastfeeding difficulties. Here are symptoms often exhibited when feeding by infants with TMD:

• Biting
• Failure to latch on
• Choking or gagging
• Very short or extended feeding times
• Restlessness and frustration while feeding
• Low weight gain