What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a paired joint, located on each side of the jaw, functioning as a sliding hinge that connects the mandible (jawbone) to the temporal bone of the skull. It enables essential movements such as speaking, chewing, and yawning!
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to a group of conditions affecting the joint itself and the surrounding muscles, often resulting in pain, dysfunction, or restricted jaw movement.
Naturopathic Approach to TMJ
The cause of TMJ in each person may be different & related to:
- Emotional stress
- Injury to the jaw, head or neck
- Food intolerances that lead to inflammation
- Underlying conditions such as:
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Connective tissue disease
As a Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Heidi aims to discover & treat the root cause of TMJ in each individual, as well as offer pain management, by employing the key naturopathic therapies, such as:
- Clinical Nutrition – using food as medicine to combat inflammation & pain (ex. fish, turmeric, ginger), while limiting food sensitivities which can be tested by blood work.
- Lifestyle Counselling – breath work, mindfulness training & sleep improvement to balance the nervous system, relax the muscles & break inflammation.
- Herbal & Homeopathic Medicines – individually prescribed to address the root cause of TMJ & alleviate pain & inflammation, for example: topical or homeopathic Arnica montana, can be an effective first-aid pain reliever for TMJ sufferers, while Chamomile, Hops & Valerian can be used to alleviate emotional stress & tension, while improving sleep.
Osteopathic Approach to TMJ
Osteopathy can address the root causes of jaw pain — whether they stem from your posture, muscle imbalances, stress, or old injuries. As an O.M.P. Mohammad’s goal is to restore natural movement & reduce strain throughout your whole body, so your jaw can heal properly — aiming for longer, lasting relief.
We can reduce jaw tension & improve jaw opening by:
- Releasing tight neck & shoulder muscles
- Supporting better posture & breathing
- Calming your nervous system to break the stress-clenching cycle
For TMJ disorders, Osteopathic Manual Practitioners use gentle hands-on techniques, such as:
- Myofascial release to reduce tightness in the jaw & neck, as well as shoulders & face.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) to rebalance muscles supporting your jaw & neck.
- Gentle joint mobilizations to improve movement in the cervical spine, upper back, and the temporomandibular joint itself.
- Cranial osteopathic techniques, especially for subtle strains in the skull bones that affect how your jaw moves.
- Balanced ligamentous tension (BLT) to help the temporomandibular joint & surrounding structures reset.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to TMJ
Many people with TMJ experience a lot of pain, have difficulty opening their mouths, & also often deal with:
- Headaches
- Depression
- Twisting of the face
- Ear ringing, etc.
In many cases patients have also had a lot of dental work done, but without feeling any lasting relief!
As a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Bing also does syndrome differentiation. Each patient is different, and assess all of the necessary details in order to discover the accurate root cause.
In general, Bing finds most of the cases are often related to a cold constitution, wind, dampness, digestion issues & emotional concerns, however, adequate consultation is important because there can be many other causes & factors.
Once the root cause is identified, Bing uses acupuncture while also providing lifestyle counselling based in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Dr. Heidi (ND), Mohammad (OMP), and Bing (TCM Practitioner & Acupuncturist), in front of the clinic.