Chiropractic Plays Key Role in Treating TMD

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) can be effectively treated with chiropractic care. Severe injuries from macro-trauma as well as micro-trauma to the jaw are leading causes of TMD. A hit in the jaw during a sporting activity or overuse syndromes, such as chewing gum excessively or chewing on one side of the mouth too often, can cause TMD. The treatment of TMD may include manual manipulation, massage of soft tissue, heat/ice, exercises, and patient education. "Chiropractic can play a key role in TMD when there are adhesions between the disc and the joint itself or the temporal bone," explains Jason Flanagan, DC, dean of Academic Affairs at Texas Chiropractic College. "Micro-adhesions restrict normal positioning of that disc in the joint. Manual manipulation allows for the proper forces to be applied, which gaps open that joint."