Do you often experience aching pain in your jaw, difficulty chewing or speaking, and clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth? Do you ever wonder what triggers TMJ in Anchorage? Have you ever felt like your jaw can get stuck or locked, making it hard to eat or talk? People seeking TMJ relief report some of these symptoms.

You may be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ Disorder or just TMJ. This condition affects many people with varying symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain and dysfunction. But the impact of TMJ Disorder goes beyond just physical discomfort. Identifying triggering factors of TMJ Pain can help you better understand and manage this condition to improve your quality of life.

What triggers TMJ in Anchorage?

If you're one of the millions dealing with TMJ Disorder, you know its impact on your life. From difficulty chewing and speaking to constant pain and discomfort, TMJ Disorder can affect your emotional well-being, social life, and overall quality of life. Below are known triggers to help you become one step ahead of your symptoms.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are two common triggers of TMJ Disorder. When stressed or anxious, you tend to clench your jaw and grind your teeth, leading to inflammation and pain in the jaw joint. Consider incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine to manage stress and anxiety. For example, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Poor Posture

Another common triggering factor of TMJ Disorder is poor posture. For example, when you sit or stand with your head forward and your shoulders slouched, you put extra strain on the muscles and joints in your jaw, leading to pain and discomfort.

Make a conscious effort to sit up straight and keep your shoulders back to improve your posture. Consider investing in an ergonomic chair or using a standing desk to help you maintain proper posture throughout the day.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism is another common triggering factor of TMJ Disorder. When you grind your teeth, you put extra pressure on your jaw muscles and joints, which can cause inflammation and pain. If you're prone to teeth grinding, consider using a mouthguard while you sleep to protect your teeth and jaw. Additionally, it would be best to speak with your dentist about other treatment options.

Trauma to the jaw or surrounding area

When the jaw or surrounding tissues are injured or damaged, it can cause inflammation, tension, and misalignment in the jaw joint, leading to TMJ Pain and other related symptoms. Make sure you seek proper care when you experience injury or trauma in the jaw or surrounding area.

Upper Cervical Misalignment and TMJ Pain

Your TMJ pain may be related to a misalignment of the atlas and the axis of your Upper Cervical bones. These bones play a critical role in the proper functioning of the jaw joint. When the topmost bones of your spine are misaligned, it can cause tension and irritation in the surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to TMJ pain and other related symptoms.

Various factors, including trauma, poor posture, and repetitive motions, can cause Upper Cervical misalignment. But regardless of the cause, the result is the same: a misaligned spine that can cause a range of painful symptoms.

Natural and Long-lasting TMJ relief

If you're experiencing TMJ pain and have experienced a previous injury or accident that may have led to upper cervical misalignment, it's essential to speak with a certified Upper Cervical Chiropractor to focus on maintaining the alignment and balance of your upper cervical bones that can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

A consultation with an Upper Cervical Chiropractor can help you ease and manage TMJ pain because they can help identify and address potential misalignments that may contribute to your symptoms.

Your upper cervical bones play a critical role in the proper functioning of the jaw joint. Misalignments in this area can cause tension and irritation in the surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to TMJ pain and other related symptoms.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic care involves a gentle, precise adjustment of the atlas and axis vertebrae to correct misalignments and realigns your upper cervical bones. Once balance is restored in your cervical spine, you can improve nerve function and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles and tissues, alleviating TMJ pain and other related symptoms.

It's time to put a stop to your symptoms. Visit our office and get your spine alignment checked today!

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ortiz, call our Anchorage office at 907-222-4604. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.