TMJ Pain & Dysfunction
According to the TMJ Association, around 35 million people in the United States (12% of the population) are affected by TMJ disorders. Dr. Joseph K. Askinasi is a respected TMJ specialist serving the areas of Manhattan and Rye NY, and he's worked with hundreds of New Yorkers struggling with this broad condition.
What is TMJ syndrome? Causes, Signs & Symptoms
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint; it's the point of connection between your jaw bone and your skull (near your ears). Normally, this hinge joint opens and closes without issue thousands of times per day. When a person has TMJ dysfunction, however, normal arthrokinematics become impaired, leading to uncomfortable signs and symptoms such as:
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- The sensation and/or sound of popping, cracking, and clicking in the joint
- The feeling that the jaw is out of place or going to dislocate
- Difficulty with opening and/or closing the mouth
- Pain in one or both ears
- Tooth or teeth pain
Why does this happen? Direct trauma, such as a blow to the face can disrupt TMJ integrity. Sometimes, wear and tear of the joint space, protective joint disc, and cartilage can lead to joint malocclusion and misalignment. Another common cause is chronic poor posture, especially among people with a forward head and upper back slouching, as this can put abnormal pressure on the TMJ.
Interestingly, many other chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia, whiplash, migraine headaches, low back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome often present with jaw pain.
How our TMJ Chiropractor Improves TMJ Function for his Patients
Because we offer services at our facility promoting full body wellness, our TMJ chiropractor can help you improve or even resolve your jaw dysfunction by relieving your symptoms and by addressing areas of your body "down the chain" which may be contributing to your TMJ problems. Such services may include:
- Kinesiology and posture analysis, to identify areas of musculoskeletal imbalances which may be contributing to your TMJ dysfunction
- Lifestyle counseling, to improve ergonomics, stress management, sleep position, etc.
- Spinal adjustments, to realign the spine from head to toe
- Corrective exercises, to teach you how to improve your posture and maintain better alignment
To maximize your outcomes, our TMJ doctor also establishes continuity of care with other necessary healthcare providers, such as dentists and periodontists.
Are You Experiencing Jaw Pain? Visit with Our Manhattan and Rye Chiropractor
Are you struggling with TMJ pain and dysfunction? Contact our chiropractor, Dr. Askinasi now by calling (212) 557-5822 in Manhattan or (914) 481-4692 in Rye.
