Acupuncture for TMJ (TMD)
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What Is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)?
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is a dysfunction or issue affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. This joint allows for movements like chewing, speaking, and opening or closing the mouth. TMJ disorders can include problems with the muscles, ligaments, or the joint itself, leading to difficulty in proper jaw function. The condition may affect one or both sides of the jaw and can vary in severity. Without proper treatment, TMJ issues can start causing chronic pain, headaches, and even changes in jaw alignment. Early intervention can help prevent worsening symptoms and long-term effects.
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Common Causes of TMJ
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can occur because of various factors affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Some common TMJ causes include:
1
Jaw Misalignment
An uneven bite or improper jaw positioning can put unnecessary stress on the temporomandibular joint, leading to dysfunction.
2
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
A bad habit of grinding or clenching of the teeth can strain the jaw muscles and wear down the joint over time.
3
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cartilage within the joint, leading to stiffness and pain.
4
Jaw Injury
Trauma from accidents, falls, or direct impact can affect the joint’s function.
5
Chronic Stress
Stress-related muscle tension can cause excessive strain on the jaw, contributing to TMJ problems.
6
Connective Tissue Disorders
Conditions affecting joint flexibility may increase the risk of TMJ dysfunction.
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How to Recognize TMJ Symptoms?
TMJ symptoms often affect the jaw, face, and head. Recognizing them early can help prevent excessive damage and help with treatment. Most common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Jaw Pain. Discomfort around the jaw, especially when chewing or talking.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds. Noises when opening or closing the mouth.
- Difficulty Moving the Jaw. Stiffness or a limited motion capabilities.
- Locking Jaws. The jaw gets stuck open or closed.
- Ear Pain or Fullness. A feeling of pressure or mild discomfort near the ears.
- Headaches. Tension headaches or pain spreading to the temples.
- Facial Soreness. Aching in the cheeks or around the jaw.
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Does Acupuncture Help with TMJ Pain and Jaw Tension?
Acupuncture for TMJ can ease pain and jaw tension by relaxing muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving blood circulation. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system in a special way, releasing endorphins which are your body’s natural painkillers. This helps ease jaw discomfort and tension.
By targeting specific acupuncture points for TMJ near the jaw, neck, and shoulders, acupuncture for TMJ pain boosts the blood flow, which helps reduce stiffness and swelling in the temporomandibular joint. Besides all that, acupuncture can lower stress hormones like cortisol, which often contribute to jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
Many people choose regular acupuncture sessions because they help restore normal jaw movement and reduce pain over time. When combined with other treatments like massage therapy or stress management exercises, it offers an effective and natural way to relief TMJ pain and discomfort.
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Acupuncture Points for TMJ
Acupuncture for TMJ targets points that can affect the jaw muscles, circulation, and inflammation. Common acupuncture points for TMJ relief include:
- ST6 (Jiache). This point is located on the lower jaw near the masseter muscle. It can ease jaw tension, clenching, and pain.
- ST7 (Xiaguan). THis point is near the temporomandibular joint, it helps address movement issues of the jaw and reduces stiffness.
- LI4 (Hegu). Located between the thumb and index finger, this point can effectively reduce pain and stress, as they create jaw tension.
- SI18 (Quanliao). Found near the cheekbone, this point relaxes facial muscles and improves blood circulation.
- GB20 (Fengchi). Located at the base of the skull, it eases tension in the neck and jaw, which can contribute to TMJ pain.
- LV3 (Taichong). This point is located on the foot between the big toe and second toe, it helps reduce stress and muscle tightness.
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Acupuncture for TMJ Treatment at Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL
- At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, acupuncture for jaw pain is used as a natural and effective way to address TMJ pain and jaw tension. As an integrative care clinic, our treatments go beyond just symptom relief to address the root causes of jaw dysfunction. Acupuncture improves blood circulation, relaxes tight jaw muscles, and even reduces inflammation. It all can help restore function and reduce jaw pain.
- If deeper relief is needed, electro acupuncture may be used to provide further relief. Ear acupuncture is another viable treatment option, targeting pressure points that affect jaw function and stress. In some cases, cupping treatment on the neck and shoulders helps ease tension that can trigger jaw pain.
- By mixing acupuncture with other natural therapies, Copper Wellness offers a well-rounded and holistic TMJ help. Book an appointment today to get natural, drug-free help with jaw tension and pain.
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Reviews About Acupuncture TMJ
I. Love. This. Place! I see both Dr. Mimosa for chiropractic and Dr. Madden for acupuncture, and they are two of the best practitioners of *any* type of medicine I've EVER worked with. They listen. They care. They genuinely want to help you feel your best. I can't recommend them and Copper Wellness enough.
Best Chiropractors in the city yall!! Dr.Mimosa is sweet and easy to talk to. Dr. Adam is very easy to talk to as well. Highly recommend!!!
Can't say enough good things about Anais. Very professional, very knowledgably, and just an amazing caring person! You are in the best of hands with her, would highly recommend!
I have been seeing Dr. Madden for acupuncture for almost a year now and I don't know where I'd be without her. She's incredible at what she does and the entire staff is awesome.
Anais is simply the best! Had a great review, consultation of problem areas and left feeling like I was on a cloud! Can't wait to go back, highly recommend the electrode therapy, it was amazing.
Dr Madden is a miracle worker. For over a year I had issues with my feet. She was the 1st to say my calf’s were right! Her acupuncture was spot on and helped right away. The stress caused issues in my neck as well that she helped not only with acupuncture but cupping as well. Her care and compassion is amazing. I will continue on maintenance because she is so amazing. ‼️
Copper Wellness has been a pivotal part of my health journey! The integrative services that are offered are tailored to my needs/situation. Specifically, when I needed to start doing massage therapy for upper and lower back pain, Cameron Sand did a great job from the start making me feel comfortable. Whenever I have a question, they answer it readily and explain how and what they are doing during our session. I’ve seen a huge improvement since working with them and couldn’t recommend them enough!
I sincerely wish that I could give Dr. Stephanie Madden 1 million stars. From the time that I met her for consultation through my entire acupuncture journey with her, she was incredibly attentive, genuine, personable, professional, precise, safe, knowledgeable, skilled, and wise with her work. I saw Dr. Madden for about 1 a little over a year to help resolve physical issues from emotional traumas and sufferings in my life. I cannot stress how different my life is from when I first saw her. She helped me get to core issues in my physical health that other doctors never came close to articulating, let alone being aware. Working those physical issues directly helped me so much with my emotional health. My quality of life now is so much better because of her contributions to my healing journey. After working with Dr. Madden, she is a practitioner that I trust and deeply respect. If anyone ever asks me to recommend an acupuncturist, I would never hesitate to recommend anyone to her. I even recommended her to one of my friends on his journey to receive a heart transplant, and she made a positive impact on his quality of life. He had nothing but positive things to say about her (and now he is thriving with a new heart!). Dr. Stephanie Madden has made a wonderful impact on my life, and I can only imagine the impact she is making on the lives of others whom encounter her. She is someone that has answered her call in life, and is absolutely brilliant at it. Brilliant!
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FAQs About TMJ Acupuncture
Where is TMJ pain felt?
TMJ pain is commonly felt in the jaw joint, temples, ears, and surrounding facial muscles. It can also radiate to the neck, shoulders, and cause tension headaches. Many people experience discomfort while chewing, speaking, or opening their mouths widely. Additional symptoms may include ear pain, a clicking or popping sound in the jaw, and a feeling of jaw stiffness or locking.
Does acupuncture work for TMJ?
Yes, acupuncture is an effective treatment for TMJ disorder. It helps reduce jaw pain, inflammation, and muscle tension while improving circulation and promoting relaxation. Many patients experience relief from symptoms such as jaw stiffness, headaches, and ear pain after acupuncture sessions.
How is TMJ diagnosed in Chicago, IL?
TMJ disorder in Chicago, IL, is typically diagnosed by a healthcare professional through a physical exam, medical history review, and assessment of jaw movement. Dentists, chiropractors, and specialists may also use imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.
Can acupuncture be used alongside other TMJ treatments?
Yes, acupuncture can be safely combined with other TMJ treatments, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, dental treatments, and stress management techniques. It helps reduce pain, muscle tension, and inflammation, enhancing the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment plan.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed for TMJ?
The number of acupuncture sessions for TMJ varies depending on the severity of the condition. Many patients experience relief within 3–6 sessions, while chronic cases may require ongoing treatment. A personalized plan will be recommended based on your symptoms and response to therapy.
How much does acupuncture TMJ cost?
The cost of acupuncture for TMJ can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the length of session. At Copper Wellness, we tailor each treatment to your individual needs. For more details on the cost and to discuss your specific needs, please contact us directly.
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