Acupuncture for TMJ

Learn how to treat TMJ disorders naturally

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull on both sides of the head.

It is one of the most important and complex joints in the body as it allows your jaw to move freely and works with your muscles so that you can open and close your mouth. The TMJ also protects your bones from damage by acting as a shock absorber.

At times, the TMJ can become misaligned and inflamed, causing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD); this is a painful condition which affects the jaw, ears and temples.

Learn what causes TMJ disorders and how acupuncture for TMJ can be an effective way to treat TMJ disorders naturally.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders affect between 5 - 12% of the US population and are more prevalent in women than men. The exact cause of TMJ disorders is unknown; however, factors such as clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), arthritis, injury or trauma to the jaw, misaligned teeth and genetics are known to play a role.

Lifestyle factors including high stress, gum chewing and poor posture are also implicated in pain and inflammation of the TMJ. If you spend excessive time hunched over a computer or looking at your cell phone, driving, carrying a heavy backpack or sleeping with your head too elevated, you can develop something called forward head posture. This occurs when your head and ears are tilted forward and positioned in front of your body’s midline, as opposed to being in line with your shoulders.

Eating hard, chewy foods such as apples, nuts, bagels and gummies/ chewy candy can also trigger TMJ flare-ups as excessive chewing can put strain on the TMJ.

Not drinking sufficient fluids can dehydrate the body and reduce joint lubrication. Your joints need to be well-lubricated as it helps keep them cushioned so they don’t rub together and wear away.

Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with TMJ disorders and those with TMD should have their vitamin D levels assessed and corrected. Vitamin D is an essential co-factor nutrient for bone health and muscle contraction; it strengthens muscles and helps with the absorption of calcium. In patients with chronic pain, supplementing with Vitamin D has shown to significantly reduce pain and inflammation, as well as improve sleep, mood and wellbeing.

Hormonal changes in women have also been linked to TMD due to the role of estrogen signalling pathways in the body. During pregnancy and menopause, hormone levels fluctuate significantly and many women suffer with pain and inflammation of the TMJ during these times. Women who take birth control pills may be susceptible to TMD due the effect the synthetic estrogens have on the body and their ability to decrease natural estrogen.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

Pain or tenderness around the jaw, ears or temples
A headache near the temples
An inability to move your jaw properly and it may even lock when you open your mouth
Difficulty chewing or pain when eating
Grinding, popping or clicking sounds when you move your jaw
Facial pain
Toothache
Tinnitus (continual ringing or buzzing in the ear)

Does Acupuncture Help TMJ?

Here at Morningside Acupuncture, we successfully use acupuncture for TMJ pain and to treat TMJ disorder. Acupuncture can help with muscle relaxation and reduce muscle spasms of the TMJ.

Acupuncture needles are inserted around the ear, face and jaw, and the trigger points of the masseter, the lateral pterygoid, the medial pterygoid, and the temporalis muscles; this is a group of masticatory muscles that help you chew and grind food. These TMJ trigger points can cause facial pain, headaches, and restrict range of motion in the jaw. Needles may also be placed at other points on the body such as the elbow, knees and big toe. Learn more about trigger points.

Acupuncture for TMJ can help:

Relieve pain and discomfort by relaxing muscles and releasing endorphins (natural pain-killing chemicals) and serotonin (the “happy” hormone that promotes feelings of wellbeing). In one study, 85% of dental patients who received acupuncture for TMJ had their pain intensity reduced by 75%.

Improve the action of the muscles that open and close the jaw by using facial acupuncture points to stimulate the temporalis muscle. Releasing TMJ trigger points in the masseter, lateral/medial pterygoid, and temporalis muscles can help to reduce pain and increase range of motion in the TMJ.

Downregulate inflammation by increasing the production of cortisol which helps control inflammation in the body.

Reduce stress and promote relaxation. Acupuncture relaxes the muscles of the jaw and face which are often contracted when you are stressed. It also helps to regulate the production and release of hormones involved in the stress response (cortisol, noradrenaline, serotonin) to help the body cope with stress better.

Relieve TMJ Pain with Acupuncture

Temporomandibular joint disorder causes pain and discomfort to the jaw, ears and temples which is often triggered by stress, poor posture, eating hard foods and chewing gum. Hormone imbalances and vitamin D deficiency also play a role in TMD. Acupuncture is very effective in treating TMD as it helps to reduce stress, pain and inflammation, and relax the muscles of the face and jaw. Speak to one of our experienced acupuncturists today to relieve your TMJ pain naturally.

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