A feeling that your bite is just not right can cause strain and discomfort that radiates to other parts of your body. You may have jaw pain and clicking or popping in the jaw. But earaches, headaches, blurred vision, and a tight, stiff neck may also be caused by jaw misalignment.
Even shoulder pain, dizziness, and mouth pain or chin numbness can be rooted in problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If you have these symptoms, come see us at the Osteopathic Wellness Center in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Dr. Johnston can help bring your jaw back into alignment, especially if home treatment strategies such as icing and over-the-counter NSAIDs aren’t working to get you relief.
Why do I have problems with my jaw?
Jaw pain is ultimately due to misalignment, which can have many underlying causes. It can occur because of trauma, particularly a downward blow to the top of the head, which pushes the parietal bones into the temporal bones. Recurring ear infections also cause scar tissue that could alter the positioning of the temporal bones, leading to jaw pain. You may have chronic stress that causes jaw clenching and resulting pain. Poor posture, teeth grinding, orthodontic problems, arthritis, and excessive gum chewing are other possible causes.
At the Osteopathic Wellness Center, we evaluate your jaw pain and look for one of these root causes. Once the cause is better understood, a treatment plan is easier to implement.
What are osteopathic solutions?
Dr. Johnston is a specialist in cranial osteopathy, so he can help you regain muscle balance and strength in your jaw area. Cranial osteopathy involves the use of finger pressure and massage to gently manipulate your skull bones. This encourages a better flow of healing cerebrospinal and lymphatic fluid so as to boost the health of tissues covering your brain. You’ll achieve better balance in your nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.
When your body is placed back into alignment, it can start to heal and resolve your pain naturally. We collaborate with holistic dentists to treat any jaw pain related to your teeth and mouth. Dr. Johnston uses cranial osteopathy to help with teeth grinding, sleep apnea, open mouth breathing, and some cases of abnormal bite that may contribute to your jaw pain.
Osteopathy gets you relief
Osteopathic treatment methods can get you relief as your jaw heals back into alignment to resolve your jaw pain for the long term. Dr. Johnston uses cranial osteopathy to resolve pain in your head, shoulders, and neck.
Cranial osteopathy is relaxing and gentle, so if you have pain due to stress and tension, it’s exceptionally beneficial. It can gently break up scar tissue contributing to jaw misalignment and pain.
Dr. Johnston can also provide you with at-home stretches and relaxation techniques so you continue to help your body heal between appointments. Although an osteopath is a medical doctor, Dr. Johnston uses all-natural methods to heal your jaw pain before resorting to more invasive treatments, such as injected medications or even surgery.
Men and women in the Ridgefield area suffering from jaw pain can find relief with us. Call the Osteopathic Wellness Center for an appointment to resolve jaw misalignment and tension or use this website to book your visit.
About the Author:
Dr. David L. Johnston is an osteopathic physician who operates Osteopathic Wellness Center, LLC, in Ridgefield. He is a licensed, board certified osteopathic physician with more than twenty five years experience working with infants, children, and adults.