Are you a resident of Bend with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder? If so, you know the discomfort, pain, and sleepless nights that can come with it. You may have been prescribed various treatments in the past, and their success or lack thereof may have led to chronic frustration and even depressive feelings. While traditional treatments can be helpful, sometimes they just don’t cut it!
Lucky for you, some Bend residents have found incredible success with a different approach to lessening the symptoms of TMJ disorder. A number of locals have reported amazing results from individualized treatments from TMJ specialists, which means that you don’t have to suffer! If you want to hear some of their stories and perhaps find some hope of your own, read on!
What is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects the jaw to the skull and allows us to open and close our mouth. TMJ disorder can cause pain and discomfort in the joint and the muscles used for chewing and speaking. Symptoms can include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, headaches, earaches, stiffness, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Treatments beyond Traditional Approaches
In addition to traditional medical treatments like physical therapy, splints and mouth guards, and medications, some patients have found success with alternative or complementary therapies. These treatments consider the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of healing as well as symptom relief from cutting-edge technology like 3D scanning and CAD/CAM engineering. Each patient has individualized treatment recommendations based on their specific symptoms, condition, and goals.
One of these alternative treatments is called upper cervical chiropractic care. This approach uses specific adjustments and other bodywork techniques to address the subluxation in the upper cervical spine. Subluxation is the misalignment of the vertebrae, which can contribute to existing conditions and often goes undetected in traditional imaging tests like x-rays. By reducing the subluxation, the body can heal itself and promote overall well-being.
Real Bend Resident Success Stories
Local Bend residents Amber and David were both diagnosed with TMJ disorder, and we talked to them about different treatments they considered and their results.
When Amber was diagnosed with TMJ disorder, her doctor suggested that she try physical therapy, mouth guards, and painkillers. She found some relief, but still suffered from occasional stiffness and headaches. After talking to her TMJ specialist, she learned that she might have upper cervical spine subluxation. She had an upper cervical adjustment and other bodywork techniques, and the relief she experienced was immediate. She still experiences some stiffness and occasional headaches, but the subluxation treatments have greatly reduced the frequency and severity of her symptoms.
David also experienced great benefits from upper cervical chiropractic care. When he was diagnosed, his doctor recommended muscle relaxants and physical therapy, but his frequent clicking and popping sounds persisted. He heard about upper cervical adjustments and decided to give them a try. His treatment included specific adjustments to realign the vertebrae and bodywork to promote healing, and the treatment was comfortable and painless. Within a few treatments, David experienced a significant reduction in the clicking and popping sounds when he opened and closed his mouth, and he no longer experiences headaches or stiffness.
Be Empowered with Informed Decisions
All too often, people with TMJ disorder experience the frustration of trying many different treatments without getting the relief they desire. However, by exploring alternative therapies that consider the whole being, you may be able to decrease the pain, stiffness, and other symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you’re interested in learning more about upper cervical chiropractic or other TMJ therapies, consider speaking with the professionals and local Bend residents who have had success with these treatments.
Don’t let TMJ disorder keep you from living your best life. By staying informed and empowered with different treatment options, you no longer have to suffer in silence.