Non-Surgical Support for Jaw Joint Disc Alignment
The jaw joint (temporomandibular joint – TMJ) plays a key role in chewing, speaking, and movement efficiency. Over time, structural variations in the jaw joint disc may develop due to postural influences, repetitive movements, or mechanical stress. Addressing jaw joint positioning and movement mechanics through structured, non-invasive care may help support long-term stability and function.
At Chiropractic Specialty Center® (CSC), we provide targeted, non-surgical care programs designed to support jaw movement and joint efficiency. By integrating chiropractic techniques and physiotherapy-based interventions, CSC offers personalized care programs tailored to jaw joint function and alignment.
Can the Jaw Joint Disc Shift from Its Normal Position?
Yes, the jaw joint (TMJ) contains an articular disc, which contributes to jaw movement and stability. Variations in jaw joint disc positioning may occur due to repetitive stress, movement adjustments, or postural adaptations.
The body contains two primary types of discs that support joint movement and efficiency:
- Articular Discs– Found in joints such as the jaw, wrist, and sternum, supporting movement balance.
- Spinal Discs– Located between vertebrae to assist with mobility and spinal stability.
This article focuses on jaw joint articular discs and their role in jaw movement efficiency and function.
How Do Jaw Joint Discs Contribute to Movement?
The jaw joint (TMJ) contains fibrocartilaginous articular discs, which help support jaw movement efficiency. These discs are positioned between the mandibular condyle and temporal bone to allow smooth joint motion while reducing excessive stress during movement.
Over time, repetitive stress or movement adaptations may influence jaw disc positioning, which can result in structural variations known as internal derangement.
Understanding Internal Derangement in the Jaw Joint
Internal derangement refers to variations in jaw joint disc positioning, which may influence jaw function and movement efficiency.
- With Reduction: The jaw joint disc moves out of position but returns during movement, often creating a clicking or shifting sensation.
- Without Reduction: The jaw joint disc remains out of alignment, which may restrict movement efficiency and contribute to jaw tension.
Addressing jaw joint positioning through structured, non-invasive care may help support long-term movement efficiency and alignment.
Recognizing Structural Variations in Jaw Joint Function
The indicators of jaw joint disc variations may differ depending on the type of internal derangement.
Internal Derangement with Reduction
- Clicking or shifting sensations during movement.
- Variations in jaw alignment when chewing or speaking.
- Temporary movement adjustments during daily activities.
Internal Derangement without Reduction
- Changes in jaw mobility, particularly when opening the mouth.
- A sensation of tension in the jaw upon waking.
- Associated indicators such as neck discomfort, variations in posture, or movement efficiency shifts.
Addressing jaw joint positioning and function through targeted care programs may help enhance movement balance and stability.
Assessing Jaw Joint Positioning and Alignment
Evaluating jaw function and disc positioning typically involves:
- Detailed History: Understanding movement patterns and structural influences.
- Physical Assessment: Evaluating jaw mobility and positioning efficiency.
- Diagnostic Imaging: MRI may be used to assess jaw joint disc positioning and soft tissue function.
A structured approach to assessment and care may help support jaw function and mobility.
Non-Surgical Support for Jaw Joint Alignment
CSC’s non-invasive care programs focus on supporting jaw positioning, movement efficiency, and alignment through:
- Chiropractic Techniques: Gentle adjustments designed to support jaw function and mobility.
- Physiotherapy-Based Methods: Techniques aimed at supporting jaw movement and surrounding soft tissues.
- Custom Splint Solutions: Protective devices designed to support jaw positioning.
- Lifestyle Strategies: Personalized recommendations to reduce structural stress on the jaw joint.
A structured approach to jaw function support may help maintain long-term alignment and movement efficiency.
Avoiding Invasive Procedures for Jaw Joint Disc Concerns
Surgical interventions, such as jaw joint replacement or invasive procedures, may carry significant risks and often do not address the underlying causes of movement variations. CSC provides structured, non-surgical solutions designed to support jaw mobility and alignment without invasive interventions.
Why Choose CSC for Jaw Joint and TMJ Care?
CSC is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and specialized spinal and joint care solutions to support jaw mobility and movement efficiency. Our comprehensive approach integrates chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and personalized rehabilitation to support faster and longer-lasting recovery.
For personalized jaw care solutions, contact Chiropractic Specialty Center® (CSC) today to schedule an assessment.
Recognizing Jaw Joint Disc Positioning Variations
The indicators of jaw joint positioning changes may vary depending on movement patterns and disc stability. Common signs include:
- Variations in jaw positioning during movement.
- Changes in movement balance and efficiency.
- Postural influences on jaw alignment.
- Sensations of tightness or restricted movement.
For personalized jaw function assessments, consulting chiropractors and physiotherapists may provide targeted movement strategies to support jaw mobility.
Structured Care for Jaw Joint Alignment at Chiropractic Specialty Center®
CSC provides structured, non-surgical care programs to support jaw movement, positioning, and function. By integrating chiropractic techniques, physiotherapy-based methods, and movement efficiency strategies, CSC offers customized solutions for long-term jaw function and alignment.
For personalized jaw joint care solutions, contact Chiropractic Specialty Center® (CSC) today.
Recognizing Jaw Joint Disc Variations and Associated Sensations
Changes in jaw joint disc positioning may influence jaw movement and function. The indicators of jaw joint adaptations can vary based on movement efficiency and joint stability. Common signs include:
- Variations in jaw movement efficiency.
- Changes in jaw positioning when speaking or chewing.
- Sensations of tension or tightness near the jaw joint.
- Clicking or shifting sensations during jaw movement.
- Awareness of pressure around the ears.
- Variations in head, facial, or neck movement efficiency.
For individuals experiencing jaw movement variations, a structured approach to jaw joint positioning and alignment may help support long-term function and mobility.
Non-Surgical Support for Jaw Joint Stability
A targeted approach to jaw positioning and mobility may help support long-term movement efficiency. At Chiropractic Specialty Center® (CSC), we provide structured care programs that integrate:
- Chiropractic Techniques: Gentle methods designed to support jaw alignment and function.
- Physiotherapy-Based Strategies: Techniques aimed at supporting jaw movement and surrounding soft tissues.
- Personalized Supportive Strategies: Recommendations tailored to jaw positioning and movement efficiency.
By addressing jaw movement variations through structured care, individuals may maintain jaw stability and function over time.
Non-Surgical Approaches for Jaw Function Support
At Chiropractic Specialty Center® (CSC), we focus on supporting jaw joint positioning and mobility using structured, non-invasive care methods. Our programs integrate:
- Chiropractic Support: Gentle techniques designed to enhance jaw movement balance.
- Physiotherapy-Based Interventions: Techniques designed to support jaw movement mechanics.
- Customized Supportive Strategies: Guidance tailored to postural influences on jaw joint function.
A structured approach to jaw positioning and movement efficiency may help support long-term function and stability.
Jaw Function Support Strategies at CSC
CSC provides structured, non-surgical care programs for individuals seeking targeted support for jaw joint function and movement efficiency. Our approach includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle realignment of jaw and neck joints.
- Physiotherapy Methods: Use of structured movement-based interventions.
- Postural and Lifestyle Recommendations: Personalized strategies to enhance jaw function.
For personalized jaw joint care solutions, contact Chiropractic Specialty Center® (CSC) today.
Chiropractic Specialty Center®: A Non-Surgical Approach to Jaw Joint Disc Stability
The jaw joint (temporomandibular joint – TMJ) plays a key role in chewing, speaking, and movement efficiency. Over time, jaw joint positioning variations may develop due to postural influences, repetitive movements, or mechanical stress. Addressing jaw joint mobility and movement balance through structured, non-invasive care may help support long-term function and stability.
At Chiropractic Specialty Center® (CSC), we provide targeted, non-surgical care programs to support jaw movement efficiency and joint positioning. By integrating chiropractic techniques and physiotherapy-based interventions, CSC offers personalized care programs tailored to jaw joint function and alignment.
Lifestyle Strategies for Jaw Joint Stability and Function
Incorporating healthy movement habits and postural adjustments may help support jaw movement balance and mobility. Consider the following strategies:
- Postural Awareness: Maintaining jaw alignment during chewing and speaking.
- Controlled Movements: Engaging in jaw relaxation techniques to maintain movement efficiency.
- Optimized Sleep Positioning: Avoiding jaw strain while resting.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Supporting joint and soft tissue health through proper hydration and nutrient intake.
- Avoiding Prolonged Jaw Tension: Adjusting movement habits to prevent unnecessary strain on the jaw joint.
For personalized jaw function recommendations, consulting chiropractors and physiotherapists may help refine movement strategies and postural techniques to support jaw joint mobility and stability.
Hi, my jaw has been out of place for the past week. I suspect a displacement of my jaw’s disc. I’ve been to many places like the doctors and the dentist who has given me a splint but won’t receive of for two weeks, and my osteopath who has just massaged my jaw, neck, and head. Do you have any advice for me? I’m not in any pain apart from trying to open my mouth fully, which I cannot do. I’ve been looking at what to do and came across this website and was hoping for some advice.
Thanks
Dear Eve,
Thanks for posting. Jaw problems (TMD) are relatively common. A displaced articular disc of the jaw joint is a common source of jaw issues, including jaw pain, ringing in the ears, dizziness, headaches, and vertigo. The majority of jaw patients will also have upper neck issues. The most common cause is teeth grinding during sleep (bruxism). Nightguards will help prevent further damage. However, you will need focused treatment for the jaw joints and neck, if needed. You may need ultrasound therapy, myofascial release, electrotherapy, and gentle manipulations of the jaw and neck. In the meantime. It would help if you refrain from the following:
Avoid hard candy and gum.
Take smaller bites
Avoid opening your mouth too big when yawning.
We can provide you with more accurate information and advice after assessing you. Please call our main center on 03 2093 1000 to schedule a consultation.
Twenty-five years ago, In a motor vehicle accident, the seatbelt hit my right jaw. The right TMJ was damaged, and a maxillo-facial surgeon gave me cortisone injections to ease the pain. The pain in my right ear and jaw region flared up occasionally but has now become a chronic problem. My doctor referred me to my dentist, who made an excellent mouthguard which I use every night and then to an ENT specialist, who referred me first to an audiologist and then to a maxillo-facial surgeon.
All medical tests and scans have shown no ear damage, but the articular disc does not move to cushion my jaw against my skull. The maxillo-facial surgeon told me that he refuses to operate on the TMJ and will not inject anything into it. He strongly advises me never to go that route with anyone else. He referred me to a physiotherapist specializing in TMJ problems, but his treatment aggravated the pain. I am left with pain management. I cannot use the Tramacet-family of drugs or NSAIDs, so my options are limited. Codeine helps for two or three hours but has addiction problems, and paracetamol is useless. What pain-management measures can I take?
Dear Alastair,
Recovering from chronic TMJ pain impacts the articular disc causing them to degenerate and slip. They are challenging but are treatable through the focused holistic treatments combining chiropractic with physical therapy (physiotherapy).
Invasive treatments for the jaw joint have poor outcomes, often causing significant issues later. According to a published study in the Journal of Radiology, steroid injection into joints or muscles damages soft tissues, cartilage, and bones. I agree with your maxillo-facial surgeon, who rightfully refused to inject or operate on your jaw.
Jaw issues, especially chronic TMJ pain, will always impact the upper neck. Also, chronic neck issues cause jaw problems. In other words, chronic neck or jaw patients will always present with co-conditions. As such, I suspect that you have issues with your occiput (base of the skull, upper neck, and jaw joints. To recover, you need comprehensive treatments targeting the jaws, the occiput, and your neck simultaneously. Just focusing on the jaw joint and neglecting the base of the skull and neck will not produce desirable effects.
What are your best non-invasive options for jaw pain?
For jaw pain treatment to succeed, it must be holistic and comprehensive. Jaw pain patients with neck and occiput issues need extensive holistic therapy for the occiput, upper neck, and TMJ.
The first step is to get a thorough assessment of your jaws, occiput, and neck. Diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and cervical MRI (MRI of your neck) will help identify the location and severity of any possible damaged. The second step focuses on repairing them through therapy methods that combine chiropractic with physical therapy (physiotherapy). There are no shortcuts in treatment or recovery.
The physiotherapy portion of a patient with neck and jaw issues may include the following:
1). Ultrasound therapy of both jaws and upper neck
2). Ultrasound therapy for the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle
3). Laser therapy of the upper neck
4). Shockwave therapy of the trapezoid muscles if needed
5). Gentle manual and soft tissue mobilization of the neck and jaw muscles
6). Electrotherapy through micro-current (tens stimulation) on both jaws
7). ELectrotherapy via interferential current therapy for the neck
7). Focused exercises once the jaw and neck are stable
The chiropractic part of a patient like you may include:
1). Non-rotatory chiropractic treatment of the occiput and neck
2). Mild and tolerable internal and external TMJ manipulations
Chiropractors and physiotherapists (physical therapists) familiar with jaw pain are the primary non-invasive caregivers for TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder). For better results, try to find an integrative clinic that treats jaw pain and injury through the combined efforts of chiropractors and physical therapists.
Regardless of who treats you, the care you get must not be painful or uncomfortable. Pain or discomfort during therapy is indicative of aggressive therapy approaches. I suspect the physical therapists who treated you may have adopted an aggressive therapy approach.
What are the best practices and home remedies for patients with chronic TMJ problems?
First and most important, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, avoid taking big bites, chewing gum, and eating har food. Also, refrain from opening your mouth too wide, especially when eating or yawning. Mouthguards or night guards are essential. You will need to replace them frequently if you grind your teeth or when they show signs of wear and tear.
Recovery is best by decreasing harmful activities and increasing beneficial actions such as focused therapy. Start with ice therapy first, as I suspect chronic inflammatory reactions in your jaws and neck. You may also try icing your jaw joints and neck. If icing increases pain or discomfort, switch to heating them.
How to ice the TMJ?
Fill a few small party balloons with water until they are slightly bigger than a golf ball. Gently massage your jaw joints with the ballons for 5-7 minutes using a circular motion. It would be best to get a friend or your significant other to do this for you two-three times a day. It would help to avoid icing your jaw sooner than once every two hours
How to ice the neck?
Get a reusable ice pack. Ice for 15-minutes using the timer on your cell phone. Icing for less than 7-minutes is a waste, and going over 20-minutes will make you worse. Also, wrap the ice pack before putting it on your neck.
I hope this helps. If you live in Malaysia, please visit our center in Kuala Lumpur for your jaw pain and articular disc disorder. You may call us on 03 2093 1000.
Hello, about a year or two ago, I purchased the “Jawxrsize.” It turns out this was a HUGE mistake. I would use the Jawxrsize daily, and it would get to the point where I would chew on it without even realizing it. Well, there were a couple of times when all of a sudden, my jaw just locked up, and I couldn’t open my mouth for a few seconds.
After this happened several times, I threw it away and never used it again. Since then, my jaw pops whenever I open it and will occasionally feel stuck. My dentist says my bottom jaw is “sinking” back towards my throat if that makes sense. It gets significantly worse when I lay down. Some mornings I wake up and can only open my mouth halfway. It will take some massaging and warming up before it allows me to open my mouth. Do you have any idea of how much damage I have caused my jaw? I am desperate for feedback.
Dear Tony,
Thanks for posting a question about your jaw pain resulting from excessive exercises through an apparatus.
In my opinion jaw, muscles should not be put under load and exercised. Your jaw muscles get enough exercise daily when talking or chewing food. From what I understand, the Jawzarsize exercises the jaw muscles (muscles of mastication or chewing muscles) by having you repeatedly bite down on a Jawzarsize ball with up to 40 pounds of resistance 10-30 times per day.
Putting your jaw muscles under that much load may injure your jaw’s ligaments, muscles, and articular discs. Therefore, we don’t recommend using any product or exercise apparatus that stresses the jaw joints or soft tissues.
You also mentioned that you have experienced clicking and popping in your jaws and have difficulty fully opening your mouth. The clicking of jaw joints and the locking you encounter may have resulted from the increased stresses you placed on your jaws while exercising the jaws muscles. In short, you may suffer from TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) resulting from slipped of your jaw’s articular disc.
A slipped in the jaw (slipped articular disc) is treatable and recoverable with our focused methods of physiotherapy combined with TMJ-specific chiropractic. Integrating our evidence-based chiropractic methods with physiotherapy leverages the clinical effectiveness of both to undo the damage and repair tissues. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our main center on 03 2093 1000 to schedule a consultation with one of our jaw experts, and we can help.
I have a night guard for bruxism. I have disc slip without reduction in my right TMJ.
Is the night guard I had custom made prior to the acute episode sufficient?
Should I be getting a specific device whose goal is to recapture the disc? Are those effective? Safe?
Dear Andrea,
First, please excuse our late reply. Secondly, night guards or other devices alone are insufficient in helping restore the jaw’s disc. The goal of wearable appliances for the TMJ is to decrease the stress placed on the jaw joint and its articular disc. To recover and stabilize the jaw joint, you need personalized treatments combined with the wearable custom-made guard. Additionally, a night guard wears out and needs replacing every six to eight months. I hope this helped. Should you need further assistance, please Whatsapp us.
Hi,
I’ve been experiencing TMJ disorder from early 2020 until now (2022). I had clicking and popping sounds in my jaws. In the past, clicking lasted 1-2hrs, but it has become continuous as of late. I did visit a dentist who related the condition may have resulted from problems I have. The dentist did give me some treatments, and clicking is better. But now, I have more pain and cannot open my mouth fully, making meals difficult as I experience discomfort when I jew food. My jaw pain is getting worse, and I suspect it has to do with my articular disc. Is there anything your center can do to help me?
Thank you for posting a question. Jaw problems (TMJ issues or TMD) can become horrific, making life difficult. Moreover, it can cause vertigo, dizziness, headaches, neck pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Jaw problems are caused by direct trauma to the jaws, bruxism (grinding of teeth), prolonged dental visits, and endoscopies. Bruxism or teeth grinding during sleep is possibly the most common cause of jaw problems. Patients who grind their teeth during sleep will stress their jaw muscles, ligaments, and articular discs. Moreover, in time, the joint wears out and becomes arthritic. In addition, the articular disc of the jaw joint can slip.
I, too, suspect some degree of articular disc slippage. However, the first step is to assess you thoroughly and identify damaged tissues. Accurate diagnosis is essential for customizing a focused therapy that resolves your jaw issues, and we can help. The good news is that we have successfully treated thousands of patients with jaw issues; we should also be able to help you.
Please call our main center on 03 2093 1000 to secluded an appointment at one of our centers. Please bring x-rays of your jaw, teeth, or neck if you have any. Once we have had the opportunity to assess your condition, we can provide additional tips and information for lasting relief.
Good morning!
I have some questions about my TMJ. I have had an MRI that shows the disc is displaced and not going back even upon opening. The dentist said that I needed surgery to get the disc back on. My biggest issues are all ear related versus my jaw. I have jaw pain, but I am most concerned about the ear pressure, ear pain, and tinnitus. Please let me know if you think there is a way to heal this without surgery. Thank you!
Dear Kristin,
A slipped disc in the jaw is a common issue that results from an injury or bruxism (grinding teeth at night during sleep). Aside from jaw pain, in almost all instances, it causes ear issues, including fulness, ringing, loss of hearing, and pain. Also, most will complain of headaches, dizziness, vertigo, and neck pain.
Jaw surgeries for a slipped disc in the jaw have high failure rates. As such, I only recommend jaw surgery if the jaw is fractured.
Instead, I recommend combining TMJ-specific chiropractic treatment with physiotherapy and jaw-specific rehabilitation.
We have treated thousands of TMD patients successfully, including many with tinnitus with great success.
If you live in Malaysia or if you can visit our Chiropractic Specialty Center® in Kuala Lumpur, we can help. Over the last 15 years, we have helped thousands of tinnitus and jaw patients recover without surgery. I hope this helps, do contact us on 03 2093 1000 or Whatsapp us at +(60)17 269 1873 for more information.
I have had issues with the disc in my left jaw (articular disc in the jaw) for some time, but in the spring had several surgeries that made it worse. My dentist advised going with Invisalign or something similar to fix my overbite, which she thought would help with my jaw disc problems, including grinding my teeth. What are your thoughts on that? It can get expensive, and the positive side is straight teeth, but I need something to fix my jaw. Would this help?
Dear Gwen,
Thanks for posting your comment. Jaw surgery, especially for the articular discs, is not as successful as most belief. Repeated surgical interventions are common and often lead to more scar tissue. I recommend jaw surgery only if the jaw joint is broken. For everyone else, conservative therapy is best. However, most dentists, chiropractors, and therapists lack clinic proficiency in the non-surgical treatment of a displaced articular disc in the jaw joint. As a result, many end with surgical interventions.
If you live in Malaysia, visit our Bukit Damansara (Kuala Lumpur) center for a thorough assessment. We have treated many with jaw issues with our integrative methods of physiotherapy and chiropractic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. If you cannot see us, please find an experienced chiropractor proficiently with TMD caused by an articular disc issue. I have treated thousands of jaw patients over the last 26 years with a considerably high success rate.
Invisalign is an aligner to help straighten your teeth. They may provide some protection for your jaw joints, but a custom-made nightguard may work better as its sole purpose is to minimize the stress on your jaw joints when you “clench” or “clench & grind” your teeth during sleep.
Nightguard aligners, including the Invisalign braces as a standalone procedure, are insufficient to stabilize and eliminate symptoms caused by articular disc issues in the jaw. To recover, I recommend high-quality custom-fitted nightguard and articular disc treatments by a clinical team, a chiropractor, and a physiotherapist (physical therapist) combined during each therapy session.
I hope this helped. Should you wish to book an appointment, please WhatsApp us by clicking this link.
Hello!
I’ve been reading your articles and your responses to others, and apparently, these jaw things may affect your airways. I started having internal derangement with a reduction in September 2022. They slowly progressed into short episodes of internal derangement without reduction; they would last an hour or a few at first, and then it was days; and now it has been three months since my jaw has been back into place. I have seen my TMJ specialist, and I finally got an appointment for an MRI, and I have my follow-up in a few days, but I’m wondering if this could be connected to my snoring. I NEVER snored until this all started happening. Should I be worried?
Dear Emily,
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. While TMD does not directly cause snoring or obstructed airways during sleep, it can indirectly contribute to these issues.
Because it may affect the position of the tongue and throat muscles, potentially leading to airway obstruction or snoring. I encourage you to discuss these points with your physician and see what they can do for you. If not, you can book an appointment at our center by WhatsApping us directly.
I hope this helped.
I’ve been to two specialists and have been given opposing treatment options. My jaw pain is on my right side and is caused by a slipped disc in my jaw and severe arthritis that has caused bone-on-bone action, causing the grinding and sanding noise.
I have a limited range of motion, making it difficult to eat, and when I open my mouth too far, it feels like it clicks out of place and is pretty painful. I also have had tinnitus for the past five years, fullness and popping constantly in my right ear, and dizziness.
When my jaw flared up a couple of months ago, the volume of the ringing dramatically increased. I have been given two different options to treat my problem, and I’m confused about what I need to do. One doctor wants to try a custom guard with laser therapy and a stretching program. The cost is $6,000 upfront and insurance will not cover anything.
The other doctor told me not that I have so much damage to the bone (jagged edges and such) that my only option is a total joint replacement and that I would be wasting money trying other treatments. The other kicker is that my insurance will not cover it, and the surgery is around $30,000.
Dear Alecia,
Thank you for sharing the details of the challenges you’re facing with your jaw condition. It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and disruption to your daily life due to a displaced articular disc and severe arthritis in your jaw. The symptoms you describe, including pain, limited range of motion, tinnitus, and dizziness, are indeed serious but can often be managed with a conservative approach before considering more invasive procedures.
Given the complexity of your condition, the conflicting opinions you’ve received are understandable. However, it’s essential to consider all possible options carefully, especially when invasive procedures such as total joint replacement come with significant risks and financial costs. Such surgery should typically be considered a last resort due to its invasiveness and potential complications.
With over 28 years of experience treating jaw problems, I’ve found that many patients benefit significantly from targeted, personalized physiotherapy and focused chiropractic manipulations, especially for issues like articular disc displacements. This conservative approach is designed to address the root causes of your symptoms without the need for surgery.
The custom guard, laser therapy, and stretching program proposed by one of your specialists might also provide relief and are worth considering. But for treatment to be comprehensive you will also need joint joint manipulation by an experienced chirorpactor. These methods aim to stabilize the jaw, reduce pain, and improve function, which could potentially alleviate the severe symptoms you’re experiencing.
Before making any decisions, I recommend consulting with a chiropractor experienced in treating similar cases. We can offer a detailed assessment and discuss how our conservative treatment options might be suited to your specific needs.
If you would like more information or wish to schedule an appointment to explore how we can help you manage and potentially alleviate your jaw issues, please contact us via WhatsApp at =(60)17-269-1873 We are here to help you evaluate all possible treatment paths and support you in finding the most effective solutions for your health and well-being.
Best regards,
Hi,
Just a quick question. I was at the dentist getting an impression made for an implant I’m getting. I also had an X-ray. I felt no jaw pain during this visit. I believe my right TMJ started clicking when chewing a couple of days late. This is the side on which the procedure was carried out. I have full jaw movement and no other pain.
What would be the best way to proceed here? My dentist was going to refer me to a specialist about this during my checkup, but I’m currently delaying this. This has been happening for around a month, and there has been no change in the condition (perhaps I don’t notice it so much now through adaptation). Should I see the specialist, or should I try some jaw exercises?
Dear Paul,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your right TMJ clicking after a recent dental procedure. It’s not uncommon to experience jaw problems following prolonged dental visits, particularly if the jaw joints are already somewhat compromised or weak. Healthy jaw joints typically tolerate dental procedures well, but if there’s pre-existing weakness, even a short visit can exacerbate issues.
The clicking sound you’re noticing when chewing could indeed be a sign of a partial articular disc displacement or damage within the joint. While this isn’t always immediately painful, it can lead to more significant issues if not addressed.
Given your description of the symptoms—specifically the clicking and the fact that you’ve experienced no pain or reduced movement—it would be prudent to follow up with a specialist as recommended by your dentist. However, integrating chiropractic care and physiotherapy could provide additional benefits. At our clinic, we have successfully worked alongside dentists to offer targeted, personalized care for similar TMJ issues. Our approach combines chiropractic techniques that help realign and stabilize the jaw with physiotherapy exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the jaw and enhance joint function.
Before you decide, consider scheduling an assessment with one of our chiropractors or physiotherapists. We can evaluate your jaw in detail and discuss how our integrated treatment might complement your dental care and effectively address the clicking. This could be an excellent route to ensure the issue is managed comprehensively, preventing further complications.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any more questions, please WhatsApp our main centre at +(60)17-269-1873. We’re here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your jaw health.
Best regards,
Good Evening Dr. Zafer,
Our 80 lb. rescue hound head-butted me on the right side of my face (jaw area) in April 2023. I experienced a vitreous detachment but didn’t think much about my jaw, even though it hurt. Fast forward to August, I experience an SS hearing loss (Sudden Sensory hearing loss) with tinnitus.
First, it was thought to be eustachian tube dysfunction. The MRI concluded it was advanced TMJ. The first DMD did a panoramic dental x-ray, which showed the curvature of my right TMJ. He also reviewed the MRI and acknowledged the degenerative changes, grading them at 3/10 (10 being the worst). I then followed up with the DMD my dentist referred me to, who said I needed surgery. She said it was Avascular Necrosis and showed me where the disc was displaced. I’m confused at this point about how two doctors could be that far apart in their impressions. My jaw is sore, and I have click/pop with an infrequent lock; it is more like a joint hesitation. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Dear Elizabeth,
I’m sorry to hear about the complications you’ve been experiencing since your injury. It can indeed be confusing when receiving differing medical opinions, especially concerning something as critical as TMJ issues and related symptoms.
Based on your description, it sounds like there are significant discrepancies in how the two specialists have assessed your condition. The degenerative changes in your TMJ and the displacement of the disc, as diagnosed, might explain the symptoms you’re experiencing, including the soreness, clicking, popping, and locking of your jaw.
Surgery for TMJ can be a complex decision, as outcomes are not always as successful as one might hope. It’s generally considered a last resort when more conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms. Given the varying opinions you’ve received and the seriousness of surgery, exploring non-surgical options first, such as specialized chiropractic care combined with physiotherapy, might be beneficial. These two options combined into a single approach can help manage pain, improve function, and potentially reduce the severity of your symptoms.
I recommend seeking a consultation at a center that specializes in non-surgical and conservative TMJ treatments. If you live in Malaysia and would like to discuss this unique approach, please do not hesitate to contact us via our WhatsApp number at +6017-269-1873. Alternatively, look for a provider that regularly treats TMJ issues through the combined efforts of chiropractors and physical therapists.
Best regards,