Dry Needling for Jaw Pain and TMJ/TMJ-D

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Understanding TMJ and TMJ-D: Causes, Treatments, and What to Expect

If you've ever experienced jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or even difficulty opening your mouth, you may have heard about TMJ or TMJ-D. These terms refer to issues affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. This blog will dive into what TMJ and TMJ-D are, their causes, how they’re treated, and the outlook for recovery—all in simple, straightforward language.

What Is TMJ and TMJ-D?

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, a small but essential joint on each side of your jaw. It functions like a sliding hinge, allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn.

TMJ-D, short for temporomandibular joint disorder, refers to any condition that disrupts the normal function of this joint. TMJ-D can lead to pain in the jaw, face, and even the ears. It’s estimated that about 5-12% of the population experiences TMJ-D at some point in their lives, with women being more commonly affected than men. (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2021)

What Causes TMJ-D?

TMJ-D can result from a variety of factors, including:

  • Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw or surrounding muscles can lead to dysfunction.

  • Teeth Grinding or Clenching: Also known as bruxism, this habit puts pressure on the TMJ.

  • Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ.

  • Misaligned Bite: If your teeth don’t align properly, it can strain the joint.

  • Stress: High stress levels often lead to muscle tension and jaw clenching.

Symptoms of TMJ-D

Common symptoms of TMJ-D include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness

  • Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw

  • Difficulty chewing or biting

  • Locking of the jaw

  • Headaches or earaches

Treatment Options

The good news is that TMJ-D is often treatable, and many people find relief with a combination of approaches. Here are some common treatments:

  1. Lifestyle Modifications

    • Avoid hard or chewy foods.

    • Practice stress management techniques like meditation.

    • Apply heat or cold packs to reduce swelling or pain.

  2. Medical and Dental Interventions

    • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage symptoms.

    • Dentists may recommend a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding.

    • In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or even surgery may be necessary.

  3. Complementary Therapies

    • Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Clinics like Box Acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine offer acupuncture treatments that can help alleviate TMJ-D symptoms by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension. Research published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation (2017) supports the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing TMJ-D symptoms.

    • Dry Needling Therapy: At Box Acupuncture, Dr. Aaron specializes in the treatment of TMJ-D and TMJ. By inserting clean-sterile, one time use, thin filiform needles into muscles like the superficial and deep masseter muscles as well as pterygoid muscles, Dr. Aaron is able to “release” and mitigate jaw pain. Dr. Aaron has been in practice for 8+ years and is fully certified in Myofascial Trigger Point/Dry Needling by Myopain Seminars. Dr. Aaron has treated with success many patients with TMJ/TMJ-D and has lasting results with many patients that improve symptoms associated with TMJ/TMJ-D.

What’s the Prognosis?

With Dry Needling/Acupuncture, Dr. Aaron has seen a marked improvement in as little as 2-3 treatments, with maintenance being roughly treatments once every 2-3 weeks. Thankfully, Acupuncture for Jaw Pain/TMJ/TMJ-D is covered by most Health Insurance plans in San Jose, CA. Be sure to book w/ Dr. Aaron for lasting results.

Final Thoughts

TMJ-D can be a painful and frustrating condition, but it’s manageable with the right approach. If you’re struggling with jaw pain or other TMJ-D symptoms, consider reaching out to healthcare professionals who understand the complexity of this condition. At Box Acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine, we combine the best of TCM with modern science to help our patients achieve lasting relief.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a pain-free life, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Don’t let TMJ-D hold you back from living your best life.

Watch a 3D rendering of the Jaw here: https://anatomy.app/media/muscles-mastication-9905

Schedule W/ Dr. Aaron Today!

Aaron Lee