Can Acupuncture Treat TMJ?

Jaw pain and stiffness are debilitating for many.  By addressing the root causes (stress and tension),           acupuncture alleviates symptoms.

TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) syndrome is an affliction that most struggle with at some point in their lives. It stems from stress, jaw-joint tension and can appear as jaw stiffness, dizziness, teeth sensitivity or grinding, numbness in the fingertips, pain in the ear area, face, neck, or pain while eating. TMJ can be the result of trauma, arthritis, or be present since birth. While it is tempting to think that an ice pack will solve all problems, TMJ may be persistent and debilitating. It can cause grinding or clicking sounds in the jaw joint and consistent pain that interferes with work and enjoyment of daily life.

According to the John Hopkins Medical Journal, TMJ can stem from stress and misalignment of the joint and muscles, dislocated joint/disc, or degenerative disease (such as arthritis). Treatment options vary from your traditional home remedies, anti-inflammatories to surgery. Since surgery is costly and risky, it is the last course of action and only in extreme cases. Often, TMJ surgery repairs or replaces the jaw joint but does not relieve the pain. Thankfully, we have alternative options that target the root cause of most TMJ cases: stress and tension. Any treatment option is best, accompanied by habitual changes (such as relaxation of jaw exercises to stop clenching), physical therapy, posture changes, and stress management.

Acupuncture is a known resource for TMJ symptom management since it helps to relieve tension and improve joint mobility and pain. One of the reasons that acupuncture works so well is because it does not just relieve the symptoms. Instead, it combats the stress (that causes TMJ in the first place) while increasing circulation in the joints and stimulating the body's natural immune defenses. According to the Mayo Clinic, a succession of acupuncture treatments may eliminate the original stressor of TMJ, curing the syndrome at its' root. By relieving stress, depression, anxiety, and mental disorders, acupuncture addresses the root causes of tension-based pain. Combined with other relaxation techniques (meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and stretching), acupuncture lowers blood Cortisol levels, helping to reduce heart rate, cholesterol, and improves circulation/BMI. By reducing stress and increasing endorphin levels, acupuncture treatment helps the body heal itself with its' own immune processes. Acupuncture relief treatments contribute to overall well-being and target the root causes of discomfort.