Suffering From Neck Pain or TMJ Pain?
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Neck Pain
What Neck Pain is and Will it Go Away?
Neck pain is described as any discomfort that one experiences in the neck area, either on one side or both sides. The severity of the neck pain can vary from a slight discomfort to sharp excruciating pain that produces dizziness, headache or migraines.
Overall, neck pain is a public health concern because of its large prevalence, second only to low back pain. Regardless of age, anyone could experience neck pain. The symptoms associated with it may vary from muscle spasms and headaches to numbness and “pins and needles” in the hands. Depending on the symptoms, neck pain may signify immediate medical attention.
Will Neck Pain Go Away by Itself?
Depending on the cause of the discomfort, it may resolve by itself over time. However, a study by Zepoletal and colleagues found a significant correlation between suboccipital neck pain and osteoarthritis in the atlanto-odontoid junction. This means that over time, the slight discomfort at the base of the head, if not treated appropriately can lead to arthritis with other complications.
Who to See For Neck Pain?
Neck pain related to the spine and the muscles of the neck are one of the most common causes. As chiropractors, we identify the dysfunctions and correct these in a non-invasive way. This will lead to increased range of motion, improved quality of motion, and better movement of the whole area.
If you’re trying to fix the neck pain yourself, check out our blog about “how to get rid of a crick in your neck“, or “how to crack my neck“.
You might also want to check into our cervical Denneroll traction devices that will help you regain the curvature in your spine.
REFERENCES
Evans, G. (2014). Identifying and treating the causes of neck pain. Medical Clinics, 98(3), 645-661.
Zapletal, J., Hekster, R. E. M., Straver, J. S., Wilmink, J. T., & Hermans, J. (1996). Relationship between atlanto-odontoid osteoarthritis and idiopathic suboccipital neck pain. Neuroradiology, 38(1), 62-65.
Jaw Dysfunction (TMJ)
What May Be the Cause of Your Jaw Pain?
The Temporomandibular joint is what connects the mandible (jaw) with the skull. It is actually two joints in one. There is also a disc between the two for better absorption of pressure and distribution of force.
According to the American Academy of Orofacial pain, it is estimated that 40-75% of the population displays at least one sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder. Some of the symptoms of TMJ disorder are clicking or popping sounds, deviations of the jaw during opening and/or closing of the mouth, bruxism (teeth grinding), and pain in the surrounding area.
The TMJ dysfunction could be a result of trauma, abnormalities in the joints, or imbalanced movement of the joints. Muscle spasms and joint dysfunctions of the neck and cranial bones have a role in this as well. Stress and anxiety is also a part of it. If the condition remains untreated it could lead to degenerative joint disease. (Cuccia, 2011).
Does Chiropractic Help With Jaw Pain?
According to Katzberg (1989), “The most common intraarticular abnormalities of the TMJ are internal derangement and degenerative arthritis. These two conditions appear to be linked by a cause and effect relationship. Internal derangement is defined as an abnormal positional and functional relationship between the disk and the mandibular condyle and the articulating surfaces.”
At PEAKiropractic, we understand that the body works in unison with itself and no one part is irrelevant. A detailed examination of the area will necessary to identify the appropriate treatment. Chiropractic care can correct these imbalances and restore proper biomechanics to avoid the advancement of arthritis in the joints.
REFERENCES
Cuccia, A. M., Caradonna, C., & Caradonna, D. (2011). Manual therapy of the mandibular accessory ligaments for the management of temporomandibular joint disorders. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 111(2), 102-112.
Katzberg, R. W. (1989). Temporomandibular joint imaging. Radiology, 170(2), 297-307.