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The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the heavily used joint connecting the mandible (lower jaw bone) to the skull. There is one on each side of the face, just below and slightly in front of the ears. These joints are necessary for every movement that allows us to talk, yawn, and chew food. Pain and discomfort in this area is an indicator that these joints are not functioning properly. The estimated number of Americans that are affected by temporomandibular joint disorder is somewhere around 10 million, though exact numbers are unknown.
There are three main categories of TMJ:
Most people don’t realize how close the temporomandibular joint is located to the uppermost vertebra in the spine (the atlas). The position of the head on the neck has a major impact on the resting position and the mobility of the jaw. The atlas can be moved out of proper alignment due to an accident or injury, or from daily use. A misalignment in the atlas can shift the alignment of the jaw while compromising the nerves that are responsible for muscle function of the jaw and face.
Fixing the root of the problem, can start the healing process, often leading to long term relief from temporomandibular joint disorders. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in treating atlas alignment because they understand the way it affects the entire body's normal functionality. When the problem is identified, fixing any issue with the alignment in the atlas is gentle and precise. Some patients share that they have immediate decrease in their level of temporomandibular joint discomfort.
References:
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/topics/tmj/tmjdisorders.htm
http://www.mskscienceandpractice.com/article/S1356-689X(16)30208-9/abstract
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If you are outside of the Sacramento area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
