TMJ

Home  >  Services > TMJ

What Is Acupuncture For TMJ?

Acupuncture is a widely practiced form of Chinese medicine that is highly effective for the treatment of TMJ or Temporomandibular joint. It relieves pain and discomfort by relaxing muscles and releasing endorphins and discomfort by relaxing muscles and releasing endorphins and serotonin hormone that promotes feelings of well-being.

TMJ Symptom Relief

TMJ promotes Stiffness and tension in the area of the neck and shoulders. People with TMJ disorders have the most common complaint which includes :
  • Pain in cheeks
  • Jaw clicking
  • Popping of jaw bones
  • Limited movement of the jaw
  • Clenching of jaw
  • Grinding teeth at night and tooth pain
  • Ear pain and headache, migraine
  • Stiffness in neck and shoulder
Acupuncture helps with the following specific types of pain. National survey data indicate that in the United States, acupuncture is most commonly used for pain, such as back, joint, or neck pain.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture for TMJ relieves the pain and discomfort that is caused by muscles and releases endorphins and serotonin. As per the study dental patients who are taking treatment of acupuncture for TMJ reduced their pain Intensity by 75%.

Improve the action of the muscles that open and close the jaw by using facial acupuncture points to stimulate the temporalis muscle. Releasing TMJ trigger points in the masseter, lateral/medial pterygoid, and temporalis muscles can help to reduce pain and increase the range of motion in the TMJ.

It reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Acupuncture relaxes the muscles of the jaw and face which are often contracted when you are stressed. It also helps to regulate the production and release of hormones involved in the stress response (cortisol, noradrenaline, serotonin) to help the body cope with stress better.

What Are Other Acupuncture Techniques?

Other acupuncture techniques include:
  • Moxibustion (application of heat)
  • Chinese massage (Tui Na)
  • Exercise
  • Diet
  • Herbs
  • Cupping (where a cup is applied to the skin, and the pressure in the cup is decreased, drawing the skin and muscles up into the cup).

What Alternative Treatments Are Available For TMJ?

Medications

Along with other nonsurgical treatments, different medication options can help relieve the pain associated with TMJ disorders:

 

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.

Medications are not helpful  to relieve TMJ pain when the pain is over the counter. Professional mat describes a stronger pain reliever for a limited time. 

Tricyclic antidepressants.

 Such a kind of medication is mostly used in the treatment of depression but sometimes in pain relief and sleeplessness, this medication is used in low doses. 

Muscle relaxants. 

A muscle relaxant is sometimes used for a few days or week to relieve the pain During the treatment of TMJ.

 

Therapies

Various therapists like Oral splints or mouth guards, Physical therapy, and counseling  are also found helpful in this treatment.

How To Get Acupuncture

If you’re interested in acupuncture, finding a licensed acupuncturist is the next step, and finding one who has experience in the condition causing you discomfort is even better. Several types of licensed acupuncturists or licensed health professionals can provide acupuncture:

Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that the energy that flows through the body qi. These qi disruptions can create imbalances in the body that lead to illness.
If you want to do acupuncture treatment, always go with an experienced licensed acupuncturist. Medical professionals also get some extra training to do acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture practitioners use needles that touch acupuncture points throughout the body. Hundreds of acupoints in the body along with 14 major meridians. They are called the energy-carrying channels.

What To Expect During An Acupuncture Session

Acupuncture can help you to reduce the pain of TMJ. If you have decided to take an acupuncture treatment, you need to book an appointment. Once you book an appointment with an acupuncture professional, you need to fill out the quick online form that includes your details and any medical conditions you face before or any allergies. They may ask more specifically about your symptoms of depression. Along with these, you need to give the information about How long you’re facing the problem? What are the effects it causes in your life? During the actual treatment, you will have to sit or lie down on the table. they will insert some needles into the acupuncture point on the area of your body. Typically needles remain inserted in the body for between 22 to 45 minutes, depending on the symptoms of the patient. Acupuncture professionals can include you in your care by providing some homework such as lifestyle recommendations. These treatment sessions may vary depending upon the medical condition of the patient and the time required to be treated or cured.

How To Get Acupuncture

If you’re interested in acupuncture, finding a licensed acupuncturist is the next step, and finding one who has experience in the condition causing you discomfort is even better. Several types of licensed acupuncturists or licensed health professionals can provide acupuncture:

People specifically train in acupuncture after completing a multiyear master’s program in acupuncture or TCM and passing a national certification exam. You can find a certified practitioner on this website.
Medical doctors can receive extra training in acupuncture. Many of these doctors are members of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Visit the referral directory on that group’s website.
Naturopathic physicians are trained to give acupuncture. Find a practitioner at the website of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Put your ZIP code into the group’s online directory.

Uses Of Acupuncture

Acupuncture practitioners – sometimes called acupuncturists – use acupuncture to treat a wide range of health conditions. However, the use of acupuncture is not always based on rigorous scientific evidence.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines for the NHS on the use of treatments and care of patients.

Currently, NICE only recommends considering acupuncture as a treatment option for:

• Migraines
• Prostatitis symptoms
• Hiccups Acupuncture is also often used to treat other conditions and symptoms, including:
• Joint and muscle pain
• Jaw pain
• Cancer symptoms such as pain
• Side effects of cancer treatment such as feeling or being sick from chemotherapy
• Feeling sick or being sick after surgery However, the evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with other treatments is unclear.

How To Get Acupuncture

If you’re interested in acupuncture, finding a licensed acupuncturist is the next step, and finding one who has experience in the condition causing you discomfort is even better. Several types of licensed acupuncturists or licensed health professionals can provide acupuncture:

People specifically train in acupuncture after completing a multiyear master’s program in acupuncture or TCM and passing a national certification exam. You can find a certified practitioner on this website.
Medical doctors can receive extra training in acupuncture. Many of these doctors are members of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Visit the referral directory on that group’s website.
Naturopathic physicians are trained to give acupuncture. Find a practitioner at the website of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Put your ZIP code into the group’s online directory.

Results

The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it helpful as a means to control a variety of painful conditions. Several studies, however, indicate that some types of simulated acupuncture appear to work just as well as real acupuncture. There’s also evidence that acupuncture works best in people who expect it to work. Acupuncture has few side effects, so it may be worth a try if you’re having trouble controlling pain with more-conventional methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

?

1. How Many Acupuncture Treatments Are Needed For TMJ?

Number of acupuncture sessions needed Acute cases: 3-6 treatments for a lasting resolution. Chronic cases: 6-10 treatments for positive changes, 10-20 sessions for consolidation of changes, and more lasting changes.

?

2. What Is The Role Of Acupuncture In Relieving Pain?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice of medicine that has gained popularity in Western culture and around the world. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues throughout the body to alleviate pain, tension, and stress.

?

3. Can Acupuncture Help With TMJ Inflammation?

One well-researched effect of acupuncture is reducing inflammation throughout the body. Acupuncture stimulates chemicals that reduce swelling and quiet unwanted immune responses and allergic reactions.

?

4. What Are The General Facts About Acupuncture?

Six Fun Facts About Acupuncture
• There are More than 2,000 Acupuncture Points.
• It Doesn't Hurt and is Relaxing.
• Acupuncture Has Been Around for Thousands of Years.
• Acupuncture is Regulated.
• Can be Used with Electricity.
• Acupuncture Treats Everything from Pain to Infertility.

?

5. How Often Should You Get Acupuncture For Pain?

A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive 6 to 8 treatments.

Begin the process of staying well

Healing Pain and Balancing the Body Through Acupuncture
BOOK APPOINTMENT
Scroll to Top