TMJ is a condition that causes extreme pain and discomfort in the joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the medical term for the paired joints connecting the upper and lower jaws. This joint is considered one of the most complex joints in the body. Often, an effective treatment for TMJ disorder can be difficult to achieve, since the condition is related to many different aspects of the mind and body such as mental stress, muscle tension, injury and neuromuscular disorders. Over time if not treated properly symptoms can include: severe headaches, neck and shoulder pain, dizziness and difficulty/pain opening your mouth. Fortunately, acupuncture offers one of the most effective treatments because it is able to address many; if not all the different aspects causing the TMJ syndrome.
Acupuncture serves as one of the most effective drug-free treatments available today. It can be extremely helpful for TMJ as it helps relieves the inflammation, pain and tension in that joint. While pharmaceutical treatments only provide symptomatic relief for a short period of time. Acupuncture can help treat the root cause of the TMJ, giving forever lasting relief. Acupuncture works by using the energy channels throughout the body called meridians. When a disorder occurs, it indicates to us that there is a blockage of energy somewhere in a meridian and, using the tiny needles, we help break that blockage allowing for good energy flow throughout the body to help treat the root cause; providing lots of relief.
After your first few treatments, you should feel decreased pain and inflammation, a big relief for those suffering with TMJ. Generally, six to eight acupuncture treatments are recommended to feel the lasting effects and with more chronic cases they could require more treatments. Some supportive solutions that complement the acupuncture treatments include making lifestyle changes including posture, diet, managing stress and dental work as well as wearing a mouth night guard to correct the misalignment and some jaw stretching exercises.
Acupuncture can help with so many conditions including TMJ. If you have any questions or still are unsure of how acupuncture can help TMJ, give me a call at (506) 608-9978 to book an appointment.