How Does a Chiropractor Adjust Your Jaw?

Who Is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional specializing in treating and addressing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors typically use manual techniques, such as spinal manipulation, to restore normal function and movement to the joints and muscles of the body.

The fundamental belief in chiropractic care is that proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system is essential for good health. The belief is that many health problems can be traced back to misalignments, or subluxations, in the spine or other joints. Therefore, by adjusting these misalignments, chiropractors can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

How Do They Adjust Jaws?

Chiropractors can adjust the jaw through a technique called TMJ manipulation or adjustment. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint (the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull.)

TMJ manipulation entails applying pressure using your hands to specific points around the jaw, including the muscles, ligaments, and bones. Chiropractors in Cave Creek may also use small handheld instruments to mobilize the joint and release any tension in the problematic joint.

Why Would You Need a Jaw Adjustment?

The goal of jaw adjustments is to restore proper alignment and function to the jawbone, alleviating pain, improving the range of motion, and reducing other symptoms associated with jaw dysfunction.

There are several reasons why you might need a jaw adjustment from a chiropractor in 85331. Some of the most common ones include:

1. TMJ disorder – is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth, headaches, and difficulty chewing or speaking.
2. Bruxism – is a condition in which you clench or grind your teeth, often during sleep. Over time, excessive teeth grinding leads to jaw pain and misalignment, meriting a jaw adjustment.
3. Trauma – a blow to the face or jaw can cause misalignment or subluxation (partial dislocation) of the jaw joint.
4. Poor posture – can lead to tension and tightness in the neck and jaw muscles. Jaw adjustments release tension in these muscles and restore proper alignment to the jaw.

Is Chiropractic Adjustment the Best for Your Jaw Health?

​Generally, chiropractic care is an alternative to traditional medicine. Many patients visiting us at Tatum Wellness and Chiropractic have often exhausted other options for treatment in traditional medicine. Therefore, chiropractors offer adjustments to manage chronic pain that is not responding well to other dental treatments. Chiropractic jaw adjustments can provide several benefits including the following:

1. Pain relief – is one of the primary benefits of chiropractic jaw adjustments.
2. Improved jaw mobility – making it easier to speak, chew, and open the mouth fully.
3. Reduced tension and stiffness in the muscles surrounding the jaw – to improve overall comfort and ease of movement in the jaw.
4. Improved posture

Even then, chiropractic adjustment can be a helpful treatment for some people, but it is not necessarily the best option for everyone. Identifying the underlying cause of the problem is crucial for determining the best treatment alternative.

Besides, not all chiropractors are trained or to perform TMJ adjustments. Therefore, you must approach jaw adjustments with lots of caution so you can seek out a qualified professional with experience in this area. Additionally, you must first consult your primary care provider or dentist to rule out any underlying issues.

When to Avoid Chiropractic Jaw Adjustments?

While chiropractic jaw adjustments can be a safe and effective treatment option for some people, there are certain situations where they may be best avoided. They include:

1. When you have not consulted a dental expert beforehand for proper diagnosis and treatment
2. When unsure about the underlying cause of your jaw pain and misalignment
3. If you have a dislocated jaw – attempting to adjust a dislocated jaw can make the problem worse.
4. If you are experiencing severe jaw pain – adjustments can exacerbate pain, especially if the pain is related to an underlying medical condition.
5. If you have had jaw surgery in the past
6. If you have certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a history of bone fractures
7. If you are pregnant
8. If you have open or unhealed wounds on the skin surface