Are you dealing with TMJ disorder? Let's have an honest conversation about what this really means for you. It's easy to downplay TMJ pain, to treat it as a minor annoyance that you can just power through. But here's the truth: TMJ disorder isn't a fleeting issue. It's a condition that, without proper management, can lead to significant, long-lasting consequences.
Think of TMJ disorder as more than just a temporary discomfort; it's a crucial signal from your body that shouldn't be ignored. Overlooking it now can set you up for a cascade of health issues in the future. This isn't about causing alarm, but it's important to recognize the seriousness of the situation.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key things that might happen if you don’t pay more attention to your TMJ pain. Also, we will help you understand the key role of caring for your Upper Cervical in Redwood City.
One of the most prominent consequences of neglecting TMJ disorder management is the development of chronic jaw pain. TMJ symptoms can worsen over time, and if you don't address the issue, your occasional jaw pain can become a constant companion.
Chronic pain arises when your body's warning signals, initially acute or short-term, are ignored. Failing to treat TMJ pain allows these signals to persist, leading to a state of constant discomfort and reduced quality of life.
To understand the impact of poorly managed TMJ disorder, consider the analogy of a broken bone. If a broken bone isn't properly immobilized with a cast, further damage is likely to occur. Similarly, untreated TMJ pain can result in damage to the affected joints.
Inflammation is your body's natural response to heal injuries, including those caused by TMJ disorder. When TMJ pain is left untreated, the body responds with inflammation, aiming to repair the damage.
Untreated TMJ pain can exacerbate another debilitating symptom: recurring headaches. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull, plays a crucial role in head and neck movements. Issues within this joint can lead to chronic headaches.
Many cases of TMJ disorder are linked to misaligned bites, which can disrupt the quality of your sleep. When your jaw is not properly aligned, it can obstruct your airway, reducing the flow of oxygen to your brain. Over time, this can contribute to developing an airway sleep disorder. Such disorders can lead to a myriad of additional symptoms, including sleep apnea, brain fog, neck pain, and further exacerbation of headaches.
If you are seeking a unique and holistic solution to your TMJ pain, our team is here to help. We take a holistic approach to TMJ pain management to enhance your quality of life today and in the future. Dr. Tsiglieris applies gentle atlas bone corrections to help realign the spine and remove undue pressure on affected structures such as the TMJ. The chiropractic adjustments Dr. Tsiglieries applies on the Upper Cervical in Redwood City also help stimulate the body’s innate ability to self-heal by ensuring smooth communication between your brain and various structures.
Book your appointment with Dr. Tsiglieris here at Advanced Spinal Care so you can get your atlas bone assessed and determine whether gentle Upper Cervical Chiropractic can help you lead a pain-free life.