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TMJ: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

TMJ: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

The temporomandibular joint (more known as TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. When there is an issue with the TMJ, symptoms include: pain while chewing; pain in the ear, face, jaw and neck; clicking, grating, or popping sounds in the jaw when you open or close your mouth; locking of the jaw joint and headaches. Sometimes, the pain is so intense that it is difficult to eat certain foods or enjoy daily activities.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

The exact cause of a TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, jaw injury, infections, or degenerative joint and/or autoimmune diseases. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth, although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.

How Many People Have TMJ Disorders?

While we don’t know for certain how many people have TMJ disorders, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates 12 percent of Americans are impacted. The condition appears to be more common in women than men, and women using either supplemental estrogen or oral contraceptives are more likely to seek treatment for these conditions.

Non-Invasive TMJ Treatments

The most effective way to treat TMJ disorders is with professional treatment. Your physician or dentist may decide on a surgical treatment plan in rare cases, but a far less invasive course of chiropractic care has been proven to treat the issue.

An experienced chiropractor will focus on three key muscles: the masseter, the temporalis and the pterygoid. She will also treat the suboccipital muscles, the jaw joint itself and the top two vertebrae to make sure everything is aligned properly. In addition, your chiropractor can prescribe exercises to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles, increase jaw mobility, reduce jaw clicking and promote healing.

Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert and the team at Live Well Chiropractic Center are experienced in treating TMJ disorders to help you get and stay pain-free. To schedule an appointment, email us at info@livewellcc.com or call 513-285-7682. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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4 Ways Chiropractic Care Can Help During Pregnancy

4 Ways Chiropractic Care Can Help During Pregnancy

Carrying a child is one of the most beautiful experiences a woman can have — and it can be one of the most physically uncomfortable experiences as well. From morning sickness to the near super-powered sense of smell, every woman’s experiences are different, but nearly all women report suffering some sort of pregnancy-related pain. Here are a few of the most common pain points, and how to get relief naturally that can help you and your baby have a stress-free birth.

Low Back Pain, Headaches and Neck Pain

Pregnancy back pain typically happens where the pelvis meets your spine, at the sacroiliac joint. This is typically caused by weight gain, stress, hormone changes and natural muscle separation as your uterus grows and your body prepares for birth. Carrying a child temporarily changes your center of gravity and impacts your flexibility, both of which alters your posture. These changes can also cause pain in the neck and headaches.

It is crucial to adjust and align your spine appropriately so you can feel well while your body changes and your baby grows. This process continues to open the spine and allow the nervous system to function effortlessly, reducing low back pain, neck pain and headaches.

Pelvic Balance

Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to have chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned, it may reduce the amount of room available for your growing baby. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position. This can lead to Breech positions or the need for a C-section.

Working with a Webster Technique certified chiropractor may help you achieve a more balanced pelvic alignment. With proper nerve supply, the labor process will flow smoothly and naturally with the least amount of pain to you, and less stress and trauma on your newborn.

Live Well Chiropractic Center’s Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert is one of the few female chiropractors in the Cincinnati area that is certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association in the Webster Technique. She specializes in chiropractic care in all phases of pregnancy from pre-conception to post-delivery. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim, email us at info@livewellcc.com or call us at 513-285-7682. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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