A question that has been coming up a lot in my world lately is: “Can acupuncture help with TMJ?” In short, yes, and it’s something that I treat a lot. In fact, I was shocked by the number of cases I’ve been seeing lately. That is until I learned that nearly 12 million people in the U.S. alone experience some kind of TMJ discomfort, and women are two times more likely to have problems than men. Women between the ages of 35 and 44 (the majority of my patient population) are the most susceptible. Interesting, right?
What is TMJ, exactly?
If we are getting technical, TMJ is actually short for the name of the joint in your jaw, the Temporomandibular Joint. TMD or temporomandibular disorder is a more accurate abbreviation for the discomfort, pain, or abnormal function of the TMJ. Somewhere along the line, people began calling their jaw problems TMJ, and it stuck. No matter what you call it, it’s not pleasant and can show up in a variety of ways.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
- Pain in the jaw, face, and/or neck
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Decreased range of motion in the jaw joint
- Popping and/or clicking when chewing or talking
- Feeling fatigue of the jaw after talking or chewing
Common Causes of TMJ Disorders
There are several possible causes of TMJ disorders such as local trauma or indirect trauma like a whiplash injury that refers pain to the jaw. Overuse (such as frequent gum chewing), clenching or grinding can also create chronic jaw problems. Even autoimmune or connective tissue disorders can cause pain, discomfort, or irregular mobility of the TMJ.
Stress and postural problems are probably the two most common culprits I see in clinical practice.
How Acupuncture Helps With TMJ Disorders
Acupuncture may help relieve pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing the muscles in the area and triggering the release of the “feel good” chemicals called endorphins. Acupuncture also helps decrease inflammation and reduce overall stress that may be contributing to the problem.
What Does the Research Say About Acupuncture for TMJ Disorders?
There are mixed reviews and research around acupuncture as a treatment for TMJ disorders. This systematic review indicated that there was moderate evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for alleviating symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. This systematic review said that evidence was limited. Both indicated that more research is needed.
Should You Get Acupuncture for a TMJ Disorder?
In practice, I’ve seen patients get a lot of relief from TMJ pain and discomfort with consistent acupuncture treatments. Will it work for you? Every person is different and some treatments work for certain people while others don’t. However, with acupuncture there are virtually no side effects and many patients report other benefits such as stress relief or a much needed nap! In other words, it can’t hurt to try.
What Is An Acupuncture Treatment for a TMJ Disorder Like?
During an acupuncture treatment for TMJ disorders, you can expect to have needles placed near the area of pain. If the thought of having needles in your face and around your ears freaks you out a little bit, fear not. Acupuncture needles are very small and should cause minimal (if any) discomfort when inserted. There will also be needles placed in other areas of the body such as the hands, feet, arms, and legs to aid the treatment and promote overall balance in the body. Once all the needles are in, you simply rest and relax for about 30 minutes. After that time, the needles will be removed and you are free to go about your day!
Acupuncture services with Dr. Leah Chischilly, D.Ac, L.Ac., available beginning February 14th, 2023 at Tatum Chiropractic and Wellness. To book an appointment, visit tatumwellness.com