Occasionally a patient will mention that they suffer from pain in their jaw or TMJ. They would like to know what is causing it, and what can be done to alleviate it.
The causes of jaw pain and TMJ pain are generally divided into 2 groups: primary and secondary. In the primary group, the causes include conditions which specifically involve the jaw such as trauma to the jaw, abscesses, tumors, infections and dental problems. Secondary TMJ or jaw pain can be caused by conditions elsewhere in the body that result in pain in the jaw. Some examples include sinus infections, arthritis, migraines, and swollen glands. Stress is also a leading cause of pain in the jaw or TMJ. Alleviating the stress often times eases the pain.
Dentists, ENT’s, and oral surgeons usually treat primary jaw pain. Professionals in other medical fields are commonly called upon to treat secondary jaw pain. Chiropractic care can be helpful in dealing with pain and its causes. Chiropractic manipulations, massage, heat and/or ice along with exercises may be recommended.
Local dentists have referred patients to our clinic to help treat TMJ and jaw pain.
If you feel your jaw pain is caused by something other than dental issues, give our Savage, Minnesota office a call at 952-440-4553 for a free chiropractic consultation. We’ll sit down with you and talk about what might be causing your pain and how we can help.
