January 28, 2018

Problems with the jaw joint or TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) are very common. I have successfully treated many cases of TMJ disorders and teach non-surgical treatments to doctors that help this disorder. Here's a few things to know:

Posture contributes to TMJ disorders (TMD). A recent study found posture problems aggravate muscular TMD. The most common are an overarching of the low back (lumbar hyperlordosis), forward head posture and knees turned inward (genu valgus). [1]

Hands-on treatments and adjustments to the Temporomandibular joint immediately improves the posture in patients with TMD, relieves jaw and facial pain and headaches, and corrects the jaw movement.[2].[3]

Hands-on adjustments and manual therapy has been shown to be more cost effective and less prone to side effects than dental treatment. [4]

Our office also works with TMJ specialists and dentists to relieve the pain and problems of TMJ disorders.

[1] Cortese s, et al. Postural alterations as a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders. Acta Odontol Latinoam. 2017 Aug;30(2):57-61.

[2] Amaral AP, et al. Immediate effect of nonspecific mandibular mobilization on postural control in subjects with temporomandibular disorder: a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2013 Mar-Apr;17(2):121-7

[3] Kalamir A, Bonello R, Graham P, Vitiello AL, Pollard H. Intraoral myofascial therapy for chronic myogenous temporomandibular disorder: a randomized controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2012;35(1):26-37.

[4] Kalamir A et al. Manual therapy for temporomandibular disorders: A review of the literature. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 11. 84-90. 10.1016/j.jbmt.2006.07.003.