What is TMJ? 

Written By Stephen Yoon

TMJ is a shortened name for temporomandibular joining disorders. These are a group of problems related to the connecting joint between the jaw and the skull. The TMJ joint is on each side of your jaw and it is the one of the most used joints in your body for eating, talking, breathing and even in expressing our emotions. TMJ can cause pain in your jaw and make it swollen and difficult to perform daily tasks. 

TMJ.jpg

What are the Symptoms of TMJ?

  • Headaches 

  • Clicking in the jaw 

  • Locked jaw 

  • Pain and swollen jaw 

  • Toothache 

  • Earache 

  • Migraines 

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

These symptoms can cause extreme pain and affect the way you eat, talk and breath. It can also elevate stress and cause migraines. Did you know a large portion of our cognitive activity is linked to our jaw ! This means the jaw can feel more painful than any other joints. 

What causes TMJ Pain?

TMJ can arise from various issues surrounding your skull and jaws. This joint acts like a hinge and moves with a sliding motion. TMJ can cause other pain surrounding your jaw and can lead to major health issues.

TMJ can occur if : 

  • Your jaw is misaligned 

  • The joint is damaged by arthritis

  • The joint is damage by injury or other impact

  • Posture problems in your neck and head 

  • Teeth-grinding 

  • Occlusal problems ( ver bite, poor bite, asymmetrical bite etc.)  


How can chiropractors help with TMJ? 

Chiropractors can help with TMJ in a range of ways to alleviate the tension and pain from the spine to the jaw. Chiropractors can reduce the pressure on various nerves through adjustments to fix the dysfunction. Many people who suffer from TMJ need continual care by a chiropractor to gradually reduce the pain. TMJ worsens as time goes by and requires medical attention as soon as possible.  However with regular treatment with a chiropractor TMJ patient can find on-going relief from adjustments. 


If you have any further enquiries, give us a call at (02) 8964 6385 for a consultation with Dr Stephen Yoon or Dr Andrew Al Hage. 

To book online, click here:  Book Chiro, Physio, Massage — SpinalCare Olympic Park | Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, and Massage - Olympic Park

Stephen Yoon
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