Chronic myofascial pain is a common occurrence that can manifest as diagnosed TMJ or other concerns that cause pain and inflammation of the jaw. According to a study published in Medicine, acupuncture is one treatment within a multiprong approach proven to relieve symptoms and pain caused by TMJ and other chronic myofascial issues.
At Tannenbaum Chiropractic of Beverly Hills, our acupuncture specialists can help anyone suffering from chronic jaw pain. Whether TMJ, teeth grinding, or a previous injury has made life difficult for you, our expert team is here to ensure you can overcome jaw issues and live a pain-free life.
For more information about the benefits of acupuncture when treating jaw pain and associated issues in Beverly Hills, call the doctors and therapists at Tannenbaum Chiropractic.
What Causes Jaw Pain and TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, known as TMJ or TMD, affects roughly 10 million Americans each year. TMJ is developed when the temporomandibular joint, which acts as your jaw’s hinge, and the nerves surrounding, become inflamed and dysfunctional, causing severe pain and mobility issues. Genetics, habitual movements, and arthritis can all contribute to the development of TMJ disorder, but it is difficult to determine an individual’s direct cause.
Signs and symptoms of TMJ include:
- Pain or tenderness of the jaw
- Inflammation and/or pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Ear aches
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the joint
- Clicking or grating sound when opening the mouth or chewing
- Limitation of jaw movement
Not everyone who suffers from chronic jaw or facial pain has TMJ disorder. Other causes of chronic myofascial pain are:
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Previous injury
- Arthritis
- Irritated nerve
- Sinus problems
- Tooth pain
- Cluster headaches or migraines
Relief from TMJ and Jaw Pain with Acupuncture
Studies have suggested that acupuncture, especially when paired with manual treatment, can be an incredibly effective treatment for TMJ and jaw pain related to other issues. Just like other acupuncture treatments on other areas of the body, acupuncture needles are inserted at various points in the face and jaw to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue that induce the body’s natural painkilling abilities, relieving stress, inflammation, and tension, and improving mobility and function.
How does Acupuncture for the Jaw Work?
Just like other areas of the body, when you receive acupuncture for jaw issues, a typical first acupuncture session will start with a discussion of symptoms to assess the appropriate trigger points. For TMJ, this includes the group of masticatory muscles that help to chew food. Often these are the same trigger points for those with a history of grinding teeth, even if you have not been diagnosed with TMJ.
Once your acupuncture treatment plan has been determined, you will receive tiny acupuncture needles around the areas of the ear, face, and jaw. Other acupoints for orofacial pain are actually in other areas of the body: the back of the hand, between the second and third-foot bones, and above the hyoid bone in the neck.
Your Beverly Hills Acupuncturist for Jaw Pain
Tannenbaum Chiropractic of Beverly Hills offers facial acupuncture and acupuncture treatments for TMJ/TMD. Our boutique office and expert team will be able to assess the best treatment for your specific jaw issues to help relieve chronic myofascial pain. Acupuncture is more than a medical treatment; this relaxing, stress-relieving experience will do more than just offer pain relief. Through a specialized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, facial massage, and other lifestyle changes, we will help you live your life healthily and pain-free.
Call the Beverly Hills practitioners at Tannenbaum Chiropractic to learn more about the acupuncture treatments we offer and schedule your appointment today!
