What is TMJ vs TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is located at the base of the skull. Commonly referred to as the TMJ, it allows for the movement required for chewing and talking. The joint connects the mandible, which is the lower jaw, and the temporal bone, which is on the side of the skull.
Since the TMJ allows for movement both up and down as well as from side to side, it is one of the most complex joints in the body. This can make severe TMJ disorders difficult to treat effectively. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. It is a dysfunction of the TMJ.
What is the dysfunction?
It is a functional dysfunction. Meaning, it’s not a medical problem per se, but rather a movement problem.
Chiropractic is concerned with proper movement of all joints of the body including the TMJ. A chiropractic assessment of the TMJ is unique in that the chiropractor will assess not only the TMJ itself, but also how this dysfunction may be affecting your spinal function, and/or vice versa.
If you’ve suffered with TMD and have not yet found relief, consider trying chiropractic, it may be the missing link to your recovery.
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