How Acupuncture can help Jaw Pain TMJ/TMD

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) disorders can make everyday activities uncomfortable. Acupuncture can help with the pain and underling issues.

What Is TMJ/TMD Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ/TMD symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life.

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
• Tension Headaches
• Jaw clenching
• Ear pain
• Neck Pain
• Facial pain
• Difficulty chewing and opening the mouth
• Symptoms can be caused and triggered by stress, teeth grinding, jaw injury, arthritis, or muscle tension.

How Acupuncture May Help

Traditional Acupuncture treats your whole system, treating the pain and assessing the underlying factors that may be a cause of the pain. Helping to

• Releasing Jaw muscle tightness
• Easing pain
• Improve jaw movement
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Encouraging the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals
• Promoting relaxation
• Reducing muscle tension
• Improving blood flow to affected areas
• Treating underlying issues that may have led to the pain
• Empowering patients to get all the health care and investigations they may need

Advice

Persistent jaw pain should always be assessed by your GP or/and myofascial team or dentist. They may be able help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options, alongside acupuncture. It is also advisable to be aware that jaw pain can relate to the heart, so it’s advisable to have a check-up with your GP. Your acupuncturist can advise and support you through these processes.

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture may offer a natural, non-drug option for managing TMJ and jaw pain, particularly when muscle tension and stress appear to be contributing factors. While results vary between individuals, many people find it a useful addition to a comprehensive TMJ treatment plan focused on pain relief, function, and overall well-being.

For information and treatment contact Hannah Charles LicAc MBAcC at: https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/contact/

Hannah Charles is a founder member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC)

The BAcC is an advocate for traditional acupuncture professionals and maintains the highest professional standards to protect the general public. BAcC members are registered on an accredited register, regulated and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA). For More information, see the website: https://acupuncture.org.uk/

Acupuncture Reasurch into TMJ/TMD

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7536091/In this case report, acupuncture was chosen before occlusal splint therapy because of its effectiveness in acting quickly on TMD painful symptoms, as was observed by the absence of pain after acupuncture treatment since the first session

https://academic.oup.com/qjmed/article/117/9/647/7665707