Are you experiencing TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.

Research shows that approximately one-third of adults will experience symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) over their lifespan.

Don’t be alarmed. In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and may be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments like acupuncture. We can help!

Common Signs and Symptoms of TMJ

Pain or tenderness of your jaw
Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
Aching pain in and around your ear
Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
Aching facial pain
Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth

Clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew is also another common complaint in patients with TMJ

Science behind acupuncture for TMJ

Research of traditional Chinese medicine revealed that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders and myofascial pain. Western medical literature suggested that acupuncture reduces pain sensation through direct stimulation of the nerve, which changes the quality of signaling along nerve cells.

Further studies by the Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, support this idea that acupuncture directly stimulates the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters, among other biological actions. These are naturally occurring substances that help dampen and block pain perception by the brain.

Getting to the Root

It has been documented that acupuncture can help muscle relaxation and reduce muscle spasms. Acupuncture can also help minimize TMJ “clicking” by relaxing the lateral pterygoid muscles, and thereby reducing the force on the meniscus of the TMJ.

Current medical interventions for the management of TMD consist of jaw appliance therapy (stabilization splint or bite guard), medications, physiotherapy, home self-care, and surgery. Acupuncture may be used alone or in conjunction with these other treatment approaches.

Often TMD is due to underlying stress held in the jaw or contracted muscles in the jaw and face. Acupuncture can help to both relax these targeted muscles and decrease the overall stress level in the body to relieve TMJ discomfort.

Lifestyle Matters

Long-term care of TMD requires important lifestyle changes. Dietary changes may be necessary, depending on any underlying health disharmony. When teeth grinding or clenching is an issue, wearing a mouth night guard from your dentist can help prevent these actions in sleep. Bite plates can also help correct misalignment.

Stress reduction, relaxation techniques, jaw stretching exercises, and modifying chewing habits are all behavioral approaches that have proved effective.