Temporomandibular Disorders
According to the National Institutes of Health, Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. A physician, including chiropractors, or dentist may help in the diagnosis and treatment of TMDs.
There are 3 main categories of TMDs, each category contains several types of TMJ disorders
-
Disorders of the joint, including disc disorders
-
Disorders of the muscles and ligaments involved in jaw movements
-
Headaches associated with TMD
Dr. Katie Smoron, D.C. is trained to evaluate each patient in all 3 of these categories and provide the necessary care.
Craniofacial Chiropractic Care for TMDs
There are a variety of treatment options available to patients suffering from TMDs. These treatments range from over the counter pain medication and occlusal guards, custom dental appliances, prescribed medication, physical therapy and chiropractic care, to surgery.
Cranial chiropractic care, craniopathy, is a chiropractic adjusting technique that provides gentle, safe adjustments to your spine, head, and other key areas. Craniopathy methods are the only chiropractic method with both TMJ and orthodontic co-treatment protocols.
In addition to her chiropractic training, Dr. Smoron, D.C., has additional training in Cranial and SOT chiropractic, Craniosacral technique, acupuncture and orofacial myofunctional therapy. All of these methods have been shown to provide lasting pain relief and encourage proper function of the jaw reducing, often eliminating, future TMD episodes.