The Neck and TMJ

Understanding The Close Relationship Between The Neck and The Jaw.

This video discusses the important relationship between the neck and TMJ.

The neck and TMJ (the jaw joint) are closely related both neurologically and through muscle and function.

The video discusses an interesting study that looked at jaw strength after a chiropractic adjustment of the neck.

The results were impressive!

• After a neck adjustment the subjects had an increase of 10% in their jaw strength.
• The strength was still significantly increased one week after the adjustment.
• The control group had no changes in jaw strength.

This particular research doesn’t look at pain perception of TMJ or TMJ muscle tightness which can be signs of jaw dysfunction.

The study does show that the neck can influence the function of the jaw… and that’s important.

TMJ problems are common and cause so many people a lot of suffering.

The jaw (TMJ) can be injured in many different ways ranging from car accidents and whiplash to sports injuries, a direct blow, or chronic repetitive stresses.

Often the stresses relate to abnormal muscle tone and dysfunctions in the jaw or as referenced even in the neck.

TMJ most commonly causes jaw / facial pain, jaw tightness, headaches, ear area pain, or associated with pain around the upper area of the neck.

We see and help many people that have TMJ complaints in our office.

Often the people suffering with TMJ related pain have tried so many other things to get better without improvement ranging from medications to appliances and even surgery at times.

If you would like to see if Dr. Hagebusch could help you, then contact us at our Texarkana office!

We’re here to help!