Do I Have a TMJ Disorder?
Imagine sitting in your Manhattan home one day and feeling unexplainable jaw soreness. Maybe you brush it off for a few days or even several weeks, but it persists. The jaw discomfort is accompanied by bouts of headaches and other symptoms that seem pretty unrelated, but you’re unsure. What should you do?
In such situations, Dr. Bobby Bilitsis at Prestige Health and Wellness recommends speaking with a medical professional. You may be experiencing a TMJ disorder that may or may not go away on its own.
TMJ disorder symptoms may present as follows:
- A constant dull ache
- Clicking sounds when opening the mouth
- Dizziness
Below, we’ll reveal what you should know about TMJ disorders and the non-surgical treatments available to you in Manhattan, NYC.
What is TMJ Disorder?
When you hear people say “TMJ,” they’re referring to the temporomandibular joint, which is actually two joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. These joints are complex as they can move side to side, up and down, as well as forward and back. They aid with everyday functions like chewing, speaking, swallowing, and more.
However, when something goes wrong with someone’s jaw joint and muscles, and it affects their ability to perform these functions properly, they’re likely suffering from a temporomandibular disorder (aka TMD).
There are three categories of TMDs:
- Disorders of your jaw joints
- Disorders of your chewing muscles
- Headaches that result from TMD
What Are The Symptoms Of A TMJ Disorder?
If you have a TMJ disorder, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- A constant or recurring dull ache over the TMJ and ear
- Pain when speaking, swallowing, or chewing
- Limitation of mandibular movement, like opening the mouth
- Inability to fully close mouth due to dislocation
- Clicking, popping, and cracking of the jaw
- Misaligned teeth
- Headaches
- Ringing of the ear (tinnitus)
- Vertigo
TMJ Disorder Causes
Research suggests that TMJ disorders affect 20 to 40% of the adult population. Although it’s not exactly clear what causes them, some possible reasons include:
- Teeth grinding
- Arthritis
- Displacement of jaw joint discs
- Physical stress or strain on the structures around the TMJ
- Jaw injury
If you have a TMJ disorder, some habits, like poor posture, excessive gum chewing, and using your teeth to tear or open things, can make it worse.
Non-Surgical TMJ Disorder Treatment Options in Manhattan
In some cases, a TMJ disorder may go away on its own. However, seeking treatment and management is the best way to ensure it’s cured. Dr. Bobby Bilitsis and the knowledge team of Prestige Health and Wellness doctors have helped with hundreds of Manhattan TMJ disorders.
Here are some of the non-surgical treatment options that are available to you.
Manhattan Acupuncture for TMJ Pain
Often, TMD results from stress held in the jaw. Therefore, a Manhattan acupuncturist will try techniques that relax those muscles, boost circulation, and ultimately relieve pain. One study found that acupuncture for TMD significantly improved the effect rate and pain intensity.
Physical Therapy for TMJ Disorder
Manhattan physical therapy services aim to reduce TMJ pain and restore jaw function. A study discovered that patients receiving physiotherapy exercises saw improvement in pain, maximal mouth opening, and the temporomandibular disability index.
Manhattan Massage Therapy
Massage therapists in Manhattan can use trigger point massage to mend tense muscles for TMJ disorders. Research shows that massage therapy is very effective, especially with post-isometric relaxation.
Chiropractic Care for TMJ in NYC
Manhattan chiropractic TMJ adjustments may help alleviate muscle pain and stiffness. Research indicates that chiropractic therapy is an effective treatment for symptom alleviation.
Contact Prestige Health and Wellness: Manhattan NYC
TMJ pain can be so debilitating that people begin to avoid social situations. Over time, this can lead to great stress and interfere with your overall quality of life.
Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be your situation. You can get relief for TMJ disorder like hundreds of other Prestige Health and Wellness patients.
Book an appointment for TMJ disorder treatment in Manhattan. You can also call our office at 212-393-4673.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan, NYC: