Can acupuncture help TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by injury or inflammation to the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is the connection between the jawbone and the skull.
Common symptoms of TMJ include (tmj.org):
-pain in the jaw muscles
-pain in the neck and shoulders
-chronic headaches
-jaw muscle stiffness
-limited movement or locking of the jaw
-ear pain, pressure, fullness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
-grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
This condition has primarily been treated by dentists but the medical community has recently begun to acknowledge the various biological systems that are involved. Currently, “there are no formerly developed standards of care for TMJ in clinical dentistry or medicine” (tmj.org). Common conventional treatment options include medications, splints, surgery, and lifestyle changes. For those who are seeking alternative, non-invasive treatment, acupuncture has been proven to help alleviate pain associated with TMJ. In a 2017 study published in Medicine, scientists came to the conclusion that “conventional acupuncture therapy is effective in reducing the degree of pain in patients with TMD, especially those with myofascial pain symptoms”. How does this work? Licensed acupuncturists are able to gently needle specific points on the body that will stimulate the nervous system, muscles, and tissues. This stimulates the body's natural painkilling abilities!
At Tai Chi Wellness Center, our skilled licensed acupuncturists spend time discussing your symptoms and your current well being. Once they have identified your conditions, they will create a personal treatment plan taylored for you. Acupuncture is not one size fits all, we take the time to understand your particular condition and pain levels. Call us today for a free consultation!
References:
Colgate. (n.d.). Does Acupuncture For TMJ Work? https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/temporomandibular-disorder/does-acupuncture-for-tmj-work.
Other Treatments For TMJ. The TMJ Association. (2020, December 8). https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/treatments/other-treatments/.
Wu, J. Y., Zhang, C., Xu, Y. P., Yu, Y. Y., Peng, L., Leng, W. D., Niu, Y. M., & Deng, M. H. (2017). Acupuncture therapy in the management of the clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis. Medicine, 96(9), e6064. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000006064