Treating TMJ Disorder with Laser Therapy

The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is a hinge that connects your mandible (jawbone) to the skull. It is present at the front of the ears on the sides of the head. Its functions include opening and closing your mouth, enabling you to eat and speak. TMJ disorder occurs when you cannot perform these actions or do them with some discomfort.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of this disorder include:

• Neck pain

• Pain around the jaw and the cheeks

• Toothaches

• Popping sounds with opening or closing

• Ringing feeling in the ears or tinnitus

• Facial fatigue

• Dizziness

• Swelling of your face

• Difficulty or discomfort when chewing

• Constant headaches

• Jaw may get stuck in one position

Causes

The exact cause of this condition is not fully known; however, the issue may arise from problems with the tissues and joints surrounding your jaw. These may include:

 

• Erosion or misalignment of the TMJ discs

• Long-term clenching or grinding of teeth

• Complications from diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

• Jaw injury resulting from trauma
  
   

Treatment Through Laser Treatment

Laser Therapy is an excellent choice of treatment to decrease the symptoms of TMJ Disorder. The laser technician uses a handheld device that emits infrared light directly onto the treatment area. Laser treatment uses various photon energy levels to reach the tissues surrounding the TMJ dysfunction.

 

Laser treatment enhances tissue healing and reduces inflammation by stimulating your body’s production of red blood cells. It promotes lymphatic drainage and oxygenation of the tissues around the TMJ tissue. This helps in cellular metabolism and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) production, regeneration, and repair. The result is the regeneration of healthy cells and additional energy from the stimulated enzymes within the cells.

Number of Treatments

As with any physical ailment, the frequency of treatment will vary depending on the individual. Results may be felt around the 2^nd or 3^rd treatment, though most doctors recommend 6 to 12 therapy sessions. Treatment sessions are short and may last 8 to 10 minutes.

Benefits of Laser Therapy

Class IV Laser treatment is noninvasive and painless. It accelerates the healing process related to sore joints and muscles. The treatment improves the jaw’s range of motion and physical function without medication. The safety profile is excellent with almost no side effects, making it ideal for people of all ages.


 

For more information on treating TMJ disorder or other conditions with laser therapy, contact Atlantic Chiropractic Associates at our offices in Milford, Lewes, and Georgetown, Delaware. Call (302) 309-9900 to schedule an appointment today.