Adapted from an article by MCA
When most
people hear the acronym TMJ, they think of their dentist. But an upper cervical doctor
can also help. TMJ stands for the Temporal-Mandibular
Joint, which is where your jaw (mandible) contacts/connects with your skull
(temporal bone).
The most common symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction are
pain with chewing, clicking or popping of the jaw. But many other symptoms can
be caused from TMJ dysfunction including: headaches, fatigue, sleep
disturbances, irritability, a loss in focus, ringing in ears, head and neck
tension, sinus congestion and ear infections.
Causes of TMJ dysfunction include blunt trauma to head/neck,
fall/ hit onto chin (commonly seen in children), slip/fall on tailbone causing
compensatory effects up the spine and into the cranial bones, whiplash/car
accidents, and prolonged desk work/forward head posture.
Understanding the relationship between proper function of
the upper cervical spine and how that can influence the TMJ is helpful. Upper cervical doctors
are trained in identifying and correcting the upper cervical spine. Specific upper cervical corrections are
essential to restoring structural balance and providing proper function and neurological integrity. If
left uncorrected, dysfunction can lead to grinding of teeth, facial asymmetry,
additional stress upon the spinal column, and an increase in current symptoms.
(Editor's note: Remember the
objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment
that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is
corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other
problems more efficiently on its own. Please do
not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)
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