Dr. James Lee of Austin Chiropractic is trained in the detection and correction of bone misalignment’s and TMJ disorder. . The examination for TMJ helps determine the severity of the disorder and its lack of mobility. TMJ disorders have various causes. Misaligned or missing teeth can force the bone out of its proper position. Trauma from a fall or car crash can do the same thing. Whiplash is a very common cause of TMJ. Many times stress results in a grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. This can over strain the muscles and cause serious pain. That pain can flow throughout your face, neck, and head causing various symptoms and discomfort. Similar to a kidney infection, that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or a bladder infection; TMJ may appear as various symptoms (headaches and earaches) that wouldn’t normally be considered in conjunction with it.

The TMJ joint is a hinge that connects the mandible with the skull and is the most used joint in the body. This joint allows us to chew, speak and swallow. The jaw (mandible) is what allows the lower part to open and the cervical spine is what opens the top. This means that your head has to tilt back and the cervical spine needs to go into extension for the TMJ to function properly.

When someone is suffering from TMJ for a long period of time the surrounding tendons and muscles become inflamed and the pain can be felt in front of the ear. Usually, the longer one waits to see a chiropractor for treatment, the longer the recovery time will be. Dr. James Lee’s test consists of a gentle examining of the joint to see if the opening and closing of the jaw is symmetric, and to see if there is a grinding or crunching sound.

Chiropractic treatment is very effective for patients with TMJ.

Treatment plans will include chiropractic adjustments of the upper neck and/or jaw area. Depending on the severity of the problem, patients may see immediate relief or will need a series of adjustments over time to see relief. In many cases, chiropractic care is proven to be more effective than drugs and medicines. Not only is it more effective, it helps patients through care that is gentler, more affordable, and does not include the potential for negative results in the future.

Dr. James Lee of Austin Chiropractic believes that since chiropractic care is effective with disorders which are mechanical in nature it is very effective with TMJ. Not only is chiropractic effective, it is preferable when other options are more closely examined.