Jaw pain and difficulty moving the jaw may be signs of TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, which affects the joints and muscles that help the jaw move. This can happen when the jaw joints or chewing muscles are strained, injured, or not moving smoothly. Many people with TMD feel pain in the jaw, face, or neck, hear clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth. There may also be stiffness or locking of the jaw, headaches, or pain around the ears. Some people may notice that the way their upper and lower teeth fit together changes, or that movement is limited. When the jaw and surrounding muscles are not working well, daily activities like talking and chewing may become uncomfortable. A chiropractor can help by checking the alignment and movement of the spine and jaw area, and providing gentle chiropractic care that supports better joint motion and muscle balance. If TMD symptoms are making daily life harder, it is suggested that you schedule an evaluation with a chiropractor to see if chiropractic care may help improve comfort. 

TMJ: Temporomandibular Join Disorders

Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ disorders, affect the hinge connecting the jaw to the skull, leading to pain and difficulty with jaw movement. Common causes include teeth grinding, jaw clenching, injury, or arthritis. Symptoms often include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, headaches, and difficulty chewing. If left untreated, TMJ disorders can significantly impact daily activities, including eating and speaking.

Managing TMJ disorders typically involves lifestyle adjustments, such as stress reduction to minimize clenching and grinding, along with gentle jaw exercises to improve mobility. In some cases, wearing a night guard may help protect the joint from further strain.

Chiropractic care offers a unique approach to TMJ relief by focusing on the alignment of the jaw and neck. Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to reduce tension in the surrounding muscles and improve joint function. Techniques like myofascial release may be applied to alleviate tightness in the face and jaw area. By addressing related spinal or muscular imbalances, chiropractic care helps reduce pain and promote overall jaw health.

1. Can TMJ problems cause dizziness or vertigo?

Yes, TMJ dysfunction can affect the inner ear through muscle tension or nerve involvement, leading to balance issues or dizziness. Chiropractic adjustments to the neck and jaw can address alignment issues that contribute to dizziness.

2. Can chewing on one side worsen TMJ disorders?

Yes, consistently chewing on one side can overwork one side of the jaw, leading to imbalances and further TMJ issues. A chiropractor can restore balance to the jaw and surrounding muscles, reducing the impact of uneven chewing.

For additional information, please contact our office located in Orinda, CA . 
 

Playing pickleball is a fun way to stay active, but it can sometimes lead to lower back pain. Common causes include weak core muscles, lack of overall muscle tone, and poor posture during movement. Repetitive twisting, sudden pivots, and bending to reach the ball can place stress on the lumbar spine, leading to discomfort or stiffness. Improving strength and flexibility can help prevent pain. Lower back and pelvic stretches, along with hamstring stretches, support proper alignment and reduce strain on the spine. A chiropractor can evaluate the spine, identify misalignments, and create a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and improve function. If you enjoy playing pickleball and have developed low back pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropractor  and take steps toward a healthier, pain free back while enjoying your favorite sport.

Low back pain is one of the most common causes of discomfort and reduced mobility, affecting people across all age groups. It often originates from issues such as muscle strain, joint dysfunction, or poor posture. Everyday activities like bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting can aggravate the pain, turning a temporary ache into a persistent problem. If left untreated, acute low back pain can become chronic, restricting movement and diminishing quality of life.

The spine’s alignment plays a critical role in back health, as misalignments can create tension, inflammation, and nerve irritation. Addressing these underlying issues is essential for relief and long-term recovery. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive solution by focusing on spinal health through targeted adjustments and personalized recommendations. If low back pain is interfering with your daily life, seeing a chiropractor can help alleviate discomfort and restore function naturally.

1. How does chiropractic care help low back pain during pregnancy?

Chiropractors use gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments to reduce stress on the spine and pelvis, helping alleviate low back pain caused by changes in posture and weight distribution.

2. Does chiropractic care work for chronic low back pain caused by old injuries?

Yes, chiropractors address lingering misalignments and stiffness caused by old injuries, helping restore function and reduce chronic pain.

For additional information, please contact our office located in Orinda, CA . 
 

Chronic headaches can affect focus, sleep, and daily comfort, especially when pain returns again and again. These headaches often start in the body due to tension in the neck, upper back and shoulders, in addition to joint stiffness, poor spinal alignment, or nerve stress. Past injuries, long hours of sitting, and repeated strain can also contribute to ongoing head pain. Symptoms may include a steady ache, pressure around the head, pain at the base of the skull, stiffness in the neck, or pain that spreads into the shoulders. Some people also feel dizzy or sensitive to light. A chiropractor can help by checking spinal movement, joint alignment, and nerve function, then providing gentle, hands-on treatment to improve motion and reduce stress on the body. If persistent headaches are limiting your activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropractor to discuss natural relief options. 

Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches can disrupt daily life, but chiropractic care offers an effective, holistic approach to managing and relieving headache symptoms. Chiropractors assess spinal alignment, posture, and muscle tension, which often play a role in chronic headaches. By addressing these factors, chiropractic care aims to reduce headache frequency and intensity.

A Chiropractor’s Approach

A chiropractor’s approach typically includes spinal adjustments, which help alleviate tension in the neck and upper back that may contribute to headaches. Chiropractic care may also incorporate lifestyle advice, including guidance on ergonomics, stress management, and targeted exercises tailored to reduce headache triggers. Regular adjustments provide a preventive approach, supporting overall spinal health and minimizing factors that can cause or worsen headaches.

Why Is Regular Chiropractic Care Important for Headache Relief?

Ongoing chiropractic care can relieve tension and prevent misalignments, both of which are common headache triggers, allowing patients to achieve long-term relief.

When Should You Consider Chiropractic Care?

Patients with frequent headaches should consider regular chiropractic visits, often recommended every few months or as advised, to support effective headache management.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Orinda, CA .