Do you have TMJ pain when you chew a yummy sandwich? Do you have pain with chewing gum or when opening wide to brush your teeth? We’ve noticed an increase number of patients complaining of jaw or TMJ discomfort. Let’s see why this maybe and what we can do about it.
- Wearing masks. This wasn’t something many of us were doing until the last few months. With that, we’ve noticed that many of you are holding your lower jaw in a position that isn’t normal for you. This change in behavior has created increase stress in the muscles and tendons in the area, creating inflammation and pain.
- Head position. So many of us our working off laptops, working from workspaces that we still just can’t get right. This awkward working environment causes many of us to drop our head forward and slightly down. This “protracted” head position actually creates increase pull on the lower mandible and subsequent stress into the joint.
- What’s the fix? Let’s talk about the workstation (or lack thereof), where our head, shoulders, and arms should be. And work towards taking microbreaks.
- What’s the fix? The upper cervical region (where your head connects to you neck) is closely related to the TMJ region. A malalignment in this area could allow for increase stress to the TMJ. A chiropractic adjustment can help.
- What’s the fix? Graston Technique (those shiny magical instruments) may assist us in change tone of muscles that have become tight. Utilizing the instruments may increase lubrication in the area and decrease pain.
- What’s the fix? Movement, exercise, motion is lotion, let’s get some strength and endurance on some muscle groups that may not be pulling their own weight. We can help choose what exercises might be most beneficial for you.
If you’re experiencing discomfort in the TMJ area. You’re not alone. We might be able to help. Give us a call today 770-438-8990.
