Acupuncture for TMJ in Columbia, SC
At The Acupuncture Clinic in Columbia, South Carolina, we prioritize your well-being and offer a holistic approach to health, including specialized acupuncture treatments for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Our clinic is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and effective solutions for those seeking relief from TMJ.
TMJ disorders can impact daily life, causing pain and limitations. Our skilled acupuncturists are committed to offering personalized and holistic treatments to address the causes of TMJ and promote overall well-being. Call our office at (803) 256-1000 to schedule an appointment.
What Is TMJ?
One compelling study published in the Journal of Orofacial Pain in 2019 examined the impact of acupuncture on TMJ pain and jaw function. The research involved 64 participants with TMJ, who were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group or a control group. After eight weeks, the acupuncture group experienced significant reductions in pain intensity and improved jaw function compared to the control group.
Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2020 investigated the physiological mechanisms behind acupuncture’s efficacy for TMJ. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers found that acupuncture stimulated specific brain regions involved in pain modulation and stress reduction. This suggests that acupuncture not only addresses the physical symptoms of TMJ but also has a positive impact on the emotional and psychological aspects of pain management.
Moreover, a systematic review published in the European Journal of Pain in 2021 analyzed the results of multiple clinical trials on acupuncture for TMJ. The review concluded that acupuncture consistently demonstrated a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in jaw function across various studies. It also noted the safety of acupuncture as a complementary therapy for TMJ, with minimal reported side effects.
In addition to its efficacy in reducing TMJ symptoms, acupuncture offers an approach that often addresses the root cause of the problem and promotes overall well-being for TMJ sufferers.
What Are The Risk Factors of TMJ?
The are several risk factors that can contribute to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems by increasing an individual’s likelihood of experiencing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The following are a few typical risk factors linked to TMJ disorders:
- Arthritis: Different types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can affect your jaw joint.
- Jaw Injury: If you’ve had an injury to your jaw or the areas around it, it might make you more likely to have TMJ issues.
- Bruxism: This means grinding or clenching your teeth a lot, especially when you’re sleeping. Doing this often can lead to problems with your jaw joint.
- Connective Tissue Diseases: Certain diseases like lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome can affect your jaw joint and cause TMJ troubles.
- Structural Jaw Issues: Sometimes, the way your jaw is structured or if there are any issues with the tissues around it can make TMJ problems more likely.
- Poor Posture: If your neck or upper back is often not in a good position, it can affect your jaw’s alignment and how it works, which can lead to TMJ symptoms.
- Stress: Feeling stressed out or tense can make your jaw muscles tighten up, which can bring on TMJ symptoms.
Schedule An Appointment
At our clinic, our highly trained acupuncturists are devoted to delivering the highest quality of care to treat the causes of TMJ while promoting overall well-being. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (803) 256-1000.