If you have jaw pain, tmj specialist near me in the ears or a sore neck and shoulders you might be suffering from a condition called TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. TMJ is the name of the hinge-like joints on each side of your head that connect your lower jaw to the skull and allow you to chew, speak and move your mouth.

TMD is a progressive degenerative disease that can be caused by many factors. Daily involuntary teeth clenching and grinding, a misaligned bite (occlusion), ill fitting dental crowns that lower the bite, arthritic joints, systemic joint laxity in women of childbearing years or recurrent infections of the TMJ can all contribute to the development of symptoms including tenderness, popping, clicking or locking.

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If left untreated the symptoms can lead to a locked jaw that cannot be opened, headaches, earaches, dizziness and ringing in the ears called tinnitus. The most effective treatment for TMJ is a TMJ specialist that has the skills to identify the deep root cause of the pathology. This can be achieved by a neuromuscular examination that is conducted at the temporomandibular joint level. This approach is much more thorough than traditional dental exams and will provide a complete picture of the condition. This treatment will address the whole person and may include chiropractic, applied kinesiology, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, atlas orthogonal therapy and physical rehabilitation. Surgical options are reserved for severe cases. Using painkillers to mask the problem only adds to the underlying problems and long-term NSAID use harms your kidneys.