TMJ Pain Eased by Chiropractic

Because injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently quite painful, we do our best to help our Midtown, New York, NY patients find relief as quickly and effectively as possible. In fact, Dr. Vinh Tran, DC, CCSP will tell you that the medical research shows just how much chiropractic can help ease pain in the TMJ.

For instance, one study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice included 15 patients with temporomandibular disorders who were treated with neck adjustments, middle-back adjustments, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Patients were evaluated prior to these treatments and at 15 days and two months post-treatment. The researchers reported positive outcomes such as reduced pain, greater jaw movement, and lower impairment at both follow-ups.

Another research paper carried out a review of almost 800 studies involving manual and manipulative therapy for conditions such as TMJ and found similar findings. The group concluded that there is a "fair...level of evidence" that chiropractic care can help ease pain associated with jaw pain and other upper extremity disorders.

This is great news since the causes of TMJ are largely unknown. While injury to the jaw area can cause pain symptoms, there are other causes to consider as well, such as grinding teeth, arthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to tension.

No matter what is making your jaw ache, call Dr. Vinh Tran, DC, CCSP now and make an appointment to come into our Midtown, New York, NY office. We'll do our best to help you smile pain-free!

Studies

• Gonzalez-Iglesias J et al. (2013, November). Mobilization with movement, thoracic spine manipulation, and dry needling for the management of temporomandibular disorder: a prospective case series. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice;29(8):586-95
• Brantingham J et al. (2013, March-April). Manipulative and multimodal therapy for upper extremity and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics;36(3):143-201
• Oral Care. WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd on November 2, 2015