Since injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently rather painful, we do our best to help our Kettering patients find relief as quickly and effectively as possible. In fact, Dr. Poelking will tell you that the research shows just how much chiropractic care can help ease pain in the TMJ.
For instance, one study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice involved 15 patients with jaw pain who were treated with neck adjustments, middle-back manipulation, and trigger point therapy via dry needling. Subjects were examined prior to these methods and at 15 days and two months post-treatment. They reported positive results such as reduced pain, greater jaw movement, and lower impairment at both follow-ups.
Another clinical study carried out a review of almost 800 studies involving manual and manipulative therapy for disorders such as TMJ and revealed similar results. The group concluded that there is a "fair...level of evidence" that chiropractic care can help ease discomfort 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 or neck can cause pain symptoms, there are other causes to consider as well, such as grinding teeth, osteoarthritis, and clenching of the jaw due to stress.
No matter what is making your jaw ache, call Dr. Poelking today and make an appointment to come into our Kettering practice. 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
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Dr. Poelking
For over 20 years, Poelking Chiropractic has been treating patients in the Dayton Ohio area (Kettering, Centerville, Oakwood, Beavercreek, Belmont, Fairborn, Springboro...). Through chiropractic care and other non-invasive methods, we provide effective relief for those suffering from disc bulges/protrusions/herniations, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, sciatica, arthritis, whiplash and other causes of neck and low back pain.