What is TMJ?

Make an Enquiry

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

TMJ can be an incredibly debilitating condition.

Here at the TMJ Centre Melbourne, our team is dedicated to helping you overcome the pain and improve your quality of life. What sets us apart from other TMJ clinics not only here in Australia but across the world, is that we combine both dental and chiropractic services in order to help you achieve your optimal treatment outcomes. With over 50 years of experience between them, our doctors have realised that there is a tangible connection between dental and chiropractic treatment and the outstanding results that they can provide.

Nobody should have to put up with the pain caused by TMJ syndrome and by providing you with all the necessary treatment options under one roof we can better serve your needs. Dr Shah and our TMJ chiropractor can quickly and effectively treat your TMJ concerns over in just a few short appointments.

So, what is TMJ?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint that is created by the joining of the jawbones on either side of your head, with the temporal bone of the skull just below and in front of your ear. The temporal bones and the mandible bone are separated by a cartilage disc that is found in each of the joints to prevent the surfaces of the bones wearing and damaging each other and also providing shock resistance for the joint. TMD is the acronym given to temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder and references a variety of complex symptoms that occur when the joints in your jaw are disrupted or strained.

One of the things that makes it so difficult to treat, is that some people never understand the cause of their condition and therefore spend lots and lots of money without gaining any real respite from this potentially crippling condition.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

It affects as much as 20-30% of Australia’s adult population. It is more prevalent in women between the ages of 20 and 40. It’s symptoms are characterized by clicking, popping or grating sounds that originate in the jaw. This can be accompanied by muscle pain that is felt in the cheeks and temples, pain in the jaw joints and severe tension headaches that while not life threatening are still incredibly difficult to endure and dramatically affect your quality of life.

Some of the most common TMJ symptoms are:

  • headaches
  • jaw pain
  • back pain
  • face pain
  • ear pain or stuffiness
  • neck ache
  • fatigue
  • shoulder pain

Please do take note that this is not every symptom that can be experienced by TMJ patients. It does happen that doctors and dentists may often ignore the possibility of TMJ being responsible for your neck pain, headaches or tooth problems. Alternatively, they could easily recognise the problem but have much more difficulty pinpointing its cause.

What is involved in your TMJ treatment?

Here at the TMJ Centre Melbourne, we are passionate about providing you with the highest standards of TMJ treatment and care. Our holistic approach is covered in all aspects by an experienced team of a dentist and chiropractor who work closely in tandem to deliver an effective long-term solution to your TMJ struggles.

During your initial consultation with us, we will assess you thoroughly so that we can diagnose your symptoms and determine whether or not they are a jaw problem or if their source is somewhere else in your body. By assessing the entire structure of your body as a team, we can ensure that the right diagnosis is made. Our unique approach to TMJ treatment and the combination of a Dentist and a Chiropractor working together under the same roof, means that you will see results more quickly. To find out how our combination treatment can dramatically improve your TMJ symptoms, or to make an appointment with us, please contact us today.