Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. As a major public health issue, it is often associated with loss of work productivity producing massive economic burden on individuals and society.
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is your jaw joint located just in front of your ears. It connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull. Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) can be pain, restriction, trouble moving the jaw, and/or noises when opening or closing. There can be many causes of TMJD, but some of the most common is night grinding (Bruxism), how your teeth line up with another (Occlusion), and degenerative joint disease.
How USP treats TMJD
At United Spine & Performance, you will be taken through a comprehensive medical history and full body assessment to ensure you have a proper diagnosis. The most important determination is whether conservative care (i.e. treatment without the use of medication, injections, and/or surgery) is right for you. Then in most cases, treatment will begin on your first visit.
Since a majority of TMJD cases are associated with neck, shoulder, and/or ribcage dysfunction, Dr. Oakley skillfully identifies the root cause. Most muscle, nerve, and joint pains can resolve quickly with an efficient treatment strategy – often in only days to weeks.
Dr. Oakley uses a combination of Chiropractic care, Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (McKenzie Method), Acupuncture/Dry Needling, Soft Tissue Manipulation, and Rehab to assess and treat both the jaw pain and the structures to relieve jaw tension.
Once we have found the treatments and home exercises that decrease your symptoms and improve how your body is functioning, you are on the way to living your life without limits! If your condition is something we are unable to treat in the office, Dr. Oakley will know within the first few visits. She will then recommend the correct medical provider that can find a solution for you.