Category Archives: Ann Arbor

Symptoms and Causes of TMJ Disorders

Chiropractor Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Chiropractor

You’ve probably heard of it, but what does “TMJ” stand for?

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

The term “TMJ” refers to the “temporomandibular joint,” which, put simply, is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint enables essential movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. While TMJ often describes the joint itself, it is also commonly used to refer to “temporomandibular joint disorders” (sometimes called TMD) — a group of conditions affecting the joint, muscles, and ligaments.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can present a variety of symptoms, including:

Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Often localized around the joint or extending to the face.
Difficulty or Discomfort When Chewing: Pain or a sensation of tightness while eating or speaking.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises when opening or closing the jaw, sometimes accompanied by discomfort.
Locking of the Jaw: Episodes where the jaw becomes stuck open or closed.
Headaches or Ear Pain: Radiating pain that can mimic migraines or ear infections.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, including:

Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw or joint can lead to inflammation or misalignment.
Teeth Grinding: Habitual grinding or clenching can strain the joint and surrounding muscles.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joint’s cartilage.
Stress: Tension can cause clenching of the jaw, exacerbating symptoms.
Misaligned Bite: Irregular alignment of teeth can impact how the joint moves and functions. This can also happen if the jaw was moved after having braces.
Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may affect joint stability.

Talk with an Ann Arbor-Based Chiropractor

TMJ is a secondary condition that a structural chiropractor can help by addressing TMJ joint alignment and underlying displacements of the spine. For more information, call our Ann Arbor chiropractor’s office at (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form. Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment!

Sciatica: Definition, Causes, and Symptoms

You may have heard of a spine condition called “Sciatica,” but what does it actually mean? How can you tell if you have Sciatica? Sciatica is a condition that causes pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Typically, Sciatica affects…Continue Reading

Recovering from Car Accident Injuries – How Chiropractic Care Facilitates Healing

Do you have injuries related to a recent car accident? Need pain relief? Car accidents can create a range of injuries, from minor bruising to severe musculoskeletal conditions. Even in small accidents, the impact on the body can be significant, leading to neck pain, back pain, whiplash, and other debilitating conditions.While pain medication and physical…Continue Reading

Exercises to Relieve Upper and Middle Back Pain

Do you see a chiropractor for back pain? Does your pain come back between appointments? Stretching by itself won’t fix back pain, but it can bring relief between visits to your chiropractor. Gently stretching your back strengthens and loosens your muscles; loosening helps relieve any pain you’re feeling at the time, while strengthening helps prevent…Continue Reading

Can a Chiropractor Help with Hip Pain?

Do you struggle with hip pain? Hip pain can be a debilitating condition that affects our ability to move freely and enjoy daily activities. While there are various causes of hip pain, specific structural corrective chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive approach to relieving discomfort and restoring mobility. Hip mobility is essential for everyday activities like…Continue Reading