TMJ Pain Helped with Chiropractic

On March 19, 2023, the results of a case study were published in Cureus, by the Department of Chiropractic, New York Medical Group, EC Healthcare, in Kowloon, Hong Kong, of severe TMJ pain being completely eliminated under chiropractic care.

Temporomandibular Disorder, more commonly known as "TMJ", is best described medically by the Cleveland Clinic as "Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. It can be caused by trauma, an improper bite, arthritis or wear and tear. Common symptoms include jaw tenderness, headaches, earaches and facial pain."

The study in Cureus begins by explaining, "Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) constitute pathological symptoms that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding musculoskeletal tissues." The study authors further explain, "Annually, TMD occurs in 4% of the adult population in the USA. TMD is primarily characterized by musculoskeletal pain syndromes which comprise myofascial pain, myalgia, and arthralgia."

In this case, a 39-year-old woman sought chiropractic care for help for worsening bilateral TMJ pain and dysfunction. The woman described the pain as an ache that was made worse by chewing, yawning, and talking. She rated the pain as a 6 out of 10, and also had reported frequent jaw locking in an open-mouth position.

Four weeks before seeking chiropractic help the woman started experiencing headaches, earaches, and neck pain, which she believed was associated with her TMJ problem. The headaches were occurring 3-4 times per week and were rated as a 6 out of 10 on a pain scale. Her problems were severe enough to affect her daily life including her ability to eat, speak, and sleep. Her dentist eventually suggested she try chiropractic care.

A chiropractic examination showed a reduction in movement of the TMJ as well as her neck. Multiple areas in her neck and jaw were sensitive to the touch. Neck x-rays showed multiple areas of spinal misalignment and a significant reversal of what should have been a normal forward neck curvature.

Specific chiropractic care, along with jaw exercises were started. Within two weeks, the patient reported a 70% reduction of her symptoms including her jaw pain, clicking, and popping, as well as reduced headache and neck pain. After four weeks of chiropractic care, the patient was reported to be fully recovered with no pain and normal motion.

Chiropractic care was continued at a reduced frequency for six months at which time an evaluation was performed. At the time, it was noted that the woman had no symptoms at all. She was able to open her mouth and chew comfortably without pain or clicking sounds, and was rated as having a significantly improved quality of life index.

In their conclusion, the study authors wrote, "Our case study provides substantial evidence that chiropractic therapy is an effective treatment option for TMD and highlights the importance of imaging (photographs and cervical radiographs) to document changes in biomechanics to symptom alleviation."