Say goodbye to TMJ and jaw pain! Acupuncture for TMJ
Do you suffer from jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or a clicking sound in your jaw? These are all common symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a condition that affects the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. Fortunately, acupuncture has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for TMJ. This is something I commonly treat at my clinic here in Longmont and it responds quickly and fabulously to acupuncture, so if you have yet tried acupuncture for your TMJ- it’s a must!
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin sterilized, single- use needles into specific points on the body. The goal of acupuncture is to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and restore blood flow, loosen tight muscles and joints, and to decrease inflammation.
When it comes to TMJ, acupuncture can help by reducing inflammation, relaxing tense muscles, and improving circulation in the affected area. Acupuncture can also help to alleviate stress, which is a common trigger for TMJ symptoms.
Where’s the research on acupuncture for TMJ?
Well, aside from lots of clinical experience using acupuncture on my patients for TMJ and getting stellar results- there is also research to back it up! Research has shown that acupuncture is a promising treatment option for TMJ. In a study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, researchers found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving jaw function in patients with TMJ. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture was more effective than a placebo in reducing pain and improving jaw function in patients with TMJ.
Additional Tools for TMJ
In addition to acupuncture, other forms of traditional Chinese medicine, such as cupping and herbal remedies, may also be helpful in treating TMJ. Your acupuncturist can work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Here in Longmont at Root & Bloom Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, we believe in a holistic approach to wellness that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to improve your pain. If you are struggling with TMJ, we can help. If you’re local to Longmont, contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a pain-free life.
I look forward to working with you and helping you to achieve your health goals!
References:
La Touche, R., Angulo-Díaz-Parreño, S., de-la-Hoz-Aizpurúa, J. L., Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., & Mesa-Jiménez, J. (2016). Acupuncture in the treatment of pain associated with temporomandibular dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(9), 710-719.
Smith, P., Mosscrop, D., Davies, S., & Sloan, P. (2007). Alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy: a guide to self-help. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Yap, E. C., & Tan, K. B. (2003). Acupuncture in the treatment of facial pain. The American journal of Chinese medicine, 31(05), 755-760.
