TMJ (Jaw) Care in Chelsea Heights
Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or clicking in your jaw?
You might be dealing with TMJ dysfunction, a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. Dr. Michelle Clarke, a chiropractor with advanced training in TMJ and orofacial myofunctional therapy, is here to help assess and manage this common condition.
What is TMJ Dysfunction (TMD)?
TMJ dysfunction (TMD) occurs when the jaw joint and surrounding muscles don’t function properly, leading to pain, discomfort, and difficulty with everyday actions like chewing, talking, and yawning. The TMJ is a critical joint that helps you move your jaw, and when it malfunctions, it can cause a range of painful symptoms.
Common Symptoms of TMD:
Jaw pain or soreness, especially while chewing
Headaches or facial pain, often around the temples
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth completely
Jaw locking or deviating to one side
You may also experience muscle tightness around your jaw, neck, or head, or feel tension in your ears (tinnitus). TMD is also often linked with conditions like teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, and even issues like sleep-disordered breathing.
What Causes TMD?
TMD can result from various factors, and in many cases, it’s a combination of multiple issues. Some common causes include:
Trauma: Injury to the jaw or face, either recent or in the past, can lead to TMD.
Posture Issues: A forward head position or poor spinal posture can place stress on the TMJ.
Orthodontic Treatments: Braces or dental work that alters the alignment of the jaw can trigger or exacerbate TMD.
Stress & Anxiety: Clenching the jaw or grinding teeth due to stress can worsen symptoms.
Sleep Disorders & Airway Issues: Conditions like sleep apnea or mouth breathing can affect jaw function and alignment.
Both adults and children can experience TMD, and it’s often accompanied by other orofacial issues. Our team at Living Chiropractic takes a comprehensive approach to treating TMD by assessing your specific needs and offering customized solutions.
How We Treat TMJ Dysfunction at Living Chiropractic
At Living Chiropractic, we understand that no two cases of TMD are alike. That’s why Dr. Michelle Clarke provides personalized treatment plans to address both the root causes and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Treatment may include:
Chiropractic Adjustments: Targeted adjustments to realign the TMJ and reduce tension in the jaw, neck, and spine.
Myofascial Release: A gentle technique to release tight muscles in the jaw and neck, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT): Exercises designed to improve the function and coordination of the muscles around the mouth, improving breathing, swallowing, and speech.
MyoMunchee Therapy: This specialized treatment uses an appliance to strengthen jaw muscles, support tongue posture, and improve airway function, often in collaboration with dentists or orthodontists.
In more complex cases, Dr. Clarke works with a network of specialists, including dentists, orthodontists, and ENT professionals, to provide a holistic approach to care.
Who Can Benefit from TMJ Care?
Anyone experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or clicking in the jaw could benefit from an assessment by a chiropractor with experience in TMJ care. Dr. Michelle Clarke’s advanced training in TMJ and orofacial myology allows her to provide in-depth consultations and personalized treatment plans for both children and adults.
If you’ve been struggling with jaw pain or discomfort, don’t wait—it’s important to seek treatment early to prevent symptoms from worsening.
Why Choose Living Chiropractic for Your TMJ Treatment?
Expert Care: Dr. Michelle Clarke has advanced training in TMJ dysfunction and orofacial myology, offering effective, non-invasive treatments.
Personalized Approach: We tailor our treatment plans to address the unique causes and symptoms of each patient’s TMD.
Holistic Care: We focus on your overall well-being, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing TMJ dysfunction.
Collaboration with Specialists: We work alongside dentists, orthodontists, and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Get Relief from TMJ Pain Today
Don’t let TMJ pain affect your daily life. If you’re ready to find lasting relief, book an appointment with Dr. Michelle Clarke at Living Chiropractic in Chelsea Heights. Let us help you get back to enjoying life without the pain and discomfort of TMD.
📍 Visit Us: 12b/93 Wells Road, Chelsea Heights
📞 Call Us: 03 9580 2282
