Can Chiropractors Adjust Jaws?

Can chiropractors adjust jaws? Chiropractors can adjust the jaw through a technique called TMJ manipulation or adjustment. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. During TMJ manipulation, chiropractors use their hands to apply pressure to specific points around the jaw, including the muscles, ligaments, and bones. Additionally, they may use small handheld instruments to mobilize the joint and release tension in the problematic area. This helps improve jaw function and alleviate discomfort.

What is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a professional who treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. They use hands-on techniques, like spinal manipulation, to restore normal function and movement to the joints and muscles of the body.

The central belief in chiropractic care is that keeping your bones and muscles in the correct position is essential for staying healthy. Many health issues can be linked to spine or other joint misalignments. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors can reduce pain and improve overall well-being. It’s believed that many health issues happen because your spine or other joints aren’t aligned properly. By adjusting these misalignments, chiropractors aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

Why Would You Need a Jaw Adjustment?

The goal of jaw adjustments is to restore proper alignment and function to the jawbone, alleviating pain, improving the range of motion, and reducing other symptoms associated with jaw dysfunction.

You might need a jaw adjustment from a chiropractor for several reasons. Some common ones include:

1. TMJ Disorder: This condition affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing pain, clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, headaches, and trouble chewing or talking.
2. Bruxism: Bruxism is a condition in which you clench or grind your teeth, usually while sleeping. This habit can cause jaw pain and misalignment over time, making a jaw adjustment necessary.
3. Trauma: An impact to the face or jaw can cause misalignment or partial dislocation of the jaw joint, which may need adjustment
4. Poor Posture: Bad posture can cause tightness and strain in the neck and jaw muscles. Jaw adjustments can help release tension in these muscles and restore proper jaw alignment.

Is Chiropractic Adjustment the Best for Your Jaw Health?

Generally, chiropractic care is an alternative to traditional medicine. Many patients visiting Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, Dr. Hands, have often tried other treatment options in conventional medicine without success. TMJ Chiropractors offer adjustments to manage chronic pain that doesn’t respond well to other dental treatments. Chiropractic jaw adjustments can provide several benefits, including:

• Relief from pain: A big advantage of getting your jaw adjusted by a chiropractor.
• Improved jaw mobility: Making speaking, chewing, and mouth opening easier.
• Reduced tension and stiffness: Easing the muscles around the jaw for better comfort and movement.
• Improved posture: Enhancing overall alignment and reducing strain

Chiropractic adjustment can be helpful for some people, but there might be better options for some. Finding the root cause of the problem is key to choosing the best treatment.

Not all chiropractors are trained or licensed to perform TMJ adjustments. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach jaw adjustments cautiously and seek a qualified professional with experience. Before making any decisions about your health, it’s important to talk to your regular doctor or dentist to ensure there aren’t any other problems you need to know about.

When to Avoid Chiropractic Jaw Adjustments?

While chiropractic jaw adjustments can help many people, there are times when it’s best to avoid them:

• If you have yet to see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• When you’re unsure why your jaw hurts or feels out of place.
• Avoid jaw adjustments if it is already dislocated–it could worsen things.
• If your jaw hurts a lot – adjustments might make it hurt more, especially if there’s another medical issue.
• If you’ve had jaw surgery before.
• This is for people with certain medical conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis or if you’ve had bone fractures before.
• Pregnant women should avoid jaw adjustments.
• If you have any open wounds or sores on your skin.