TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT PAIN (TMJ)
TMJ disorders can literally be in pain in the jaw. The condition is associated with copius cracking and popping of the jaws while eating and discomfort. Often during mid bite the jaw may actually become stuck. ( A tiny disc or 'meniscus' inside the TMJ itself can become slightly displaced and temporarily stuck).
Today there is a growing awareness among both dental and chiropractic professionals, that the TMJ is intimately associated with functioning of the neck or cervical spine. Most people who have TMJ disorders have abnormalities of the cervical spine as well. The muscle tissue which supports the jaw, clinches with each bite taken and that bridges between the cervical spine and jaw must be in complete relaxed synchrony to maintain an even balanced bite. Malfunction or malposition of the cervical spine and its vertebrae can produce mechanical and nerve irritation which produces muscular imbalances in the bite mechanism. Having dealt with many TMJ sufferers it is common to find parallel restrictions in neck motion and jaw motion. |
