TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment in Dublin 2
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping, difficulty chewing and restricted jaw movement. Symptoms can also occur alongside headaches, facial tension and neck pain.
The jaw does not function in isolation. The TMJ, muscles of the jaw, and the joints and muscles of the neck all work together, which is why problems in these areas can sometimes occur together.
At Dublin 2 Chiropractic, we assess the movement and function of the jaw, neck and surrounding muscles to identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Treatment is tailored to your examination findings and may include gentle manual treatment, jaw mobilisation, exercises and chiropractic care for associated neck problems.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joints are located just in front of the ears and connect the lower jaw to the skull. Together with the surrounding muscles, they allow the jaw to move during speaking, chewing and yawning.
Common TMJ symptoms include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain or difficulty when chewing
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Restricted jaw movement
- The jaw catching or locking
- Pain around the face, temple or ear
- Headaches
- Associated neck pain or stiffness
TMJ problems can involve the joint itself, the surrounding muscles or the way the jaw is moving. Clicking or popping without pain is also quite common and does not necessarily mean that treatment is required.
Chiropractic Treatment for TMJ Problems
Treatment is based on what we find during your examination. Rather than treating every TMJ problem in the same way, we look at jaw movement, muscle tension and the relationship between your jaw and neck.
Jaw mobilisation: Gentle manual techniques can be used to improve movement in a stiff or restricted jaw joint.
Muscle treatment: Treatment may be directed towards tight or sensitive muscles around the jaw, face and neck that are contributing to pain or restricted movement.
Chiropractic treatment: When TMJ symptoms occur alongside neck pain or restricted neck movement, chiropractic adjustments or mobilisation may be used to improve movement and function in the neck.
Exercise and self-management: Simple exercises may be recommended to improve jaw control and movement. We may also discuss habits or activities that are aggravating your symptoms.
Your response to treatment is monitored as care progresses and the approach can be modified according to how your symptoms and movement are changing.
Your TMJ Assessment
Your first appointment begins with a discussion of your symptoms, including when the problem started, what movements aggravate it and whether you also experience headaches, neck pain or other associated symptoms.
We then examine the movement of the jaw and relevant muscles and joints. Where appropriate, the neck is also assessed because restricted neck movement and jaw symptoms can occur together.
This allows us to explain what we think is contributing to the problem and recommend an appropriate treatment approach. Occasionally, jaw or facial pain may have a dental or medical cause that falls outside the scope of chiropractic care, which is why an appropriate examination is carried out before treatment.
Book a TMJ Assessment in Dublin 2
If you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking, restricted movement or TMJ symptoms associated with neck discomfort, we can assess the problem and discuss the treatment options available to you.
Your first appointment includes a consultation and physical examination, followed by an explanation of our findings and recommended treatment plan.
Dublin 2 Chiropractic is located at 79 Merrion Square South, Dublin 2, overlooking Merrion Square.
