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Professional TMJ Treatment in Jacksonville, FL

What Is a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often referred to as jaw pain, affect the hinge that connects the jaw to the skull, leading to a range of painful symptoms that interfere with daily activities. These disorders are common, with millions of people suffering from TMJ issues each year. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, including jaw clicking, difficulty chewing, and facial pain.

At East Coast Injury Clinic, we provide expert TMJ treatment in Jacksonville, FL to help you find relief and restore proper jaw function. As a clinic that treats jaw pain, we offer non-invasive, customized treatment plans that effectively address the root cause of your symptoms.

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in Jacksonville, FL

East Coast Injury Clinic is a chiropractic and injury clinic in Jacksonville, FL, providing chiropractic care and injury treatment. From auto accident injuries and spinal misalignments to chronic pain and neurological rehabilitation, our team delivers compassionate, personalized care. Our Jacksonville team is here to guide you every step of the way as you work toward relief and better mobility.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders manifest in various symptoms that can range from mild to severe, affecting the quality of life. The most common symptoms of TMJ include:

Jaw pain: A dull or sharp pain in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders, especially while chewing, talking, or yawning.
Clicking or popping sounds: A noticeable clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth, which may or may not be accompanied by pain.
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth: Limited jaw movement or the sensation that the jaw is locked, making it difficult to eat, speak, or yawn.
Headaches: Chronic or recurring headaches, often located near the temples, which can mimic tension headaches or migraines.
Teeth grinding or clenching: Unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, particularly during sleep, often due to stress or anxiety.
Ear pain: A feeling of fullness, pain, or ringing in the ears, even when there is no underlying ear infection.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it may indicate that you are experiencing a TMJ disorder. Early TMJ treatment in Jacksonville, FL may help keep the condition from getting worse.

Can TMJ Cause Neurological Symptoms?

Some people with a TMJ disorder notice symptoms that feel neurological, because the jaw joint sits right next to the ear and shares nerves and muscles with the face, head and neck. These may include:

Ear symptoms: ear pain, a plugged or full feeling, or ringing in the ears without an ear infection.
Headaches: often around the temples, sometimes along with neck tension.
Facial tingling or numbness, or pain that spreads along the face or into the teeth.
Dizziness or a feeling of imbalance in some people.

These symptoms can also come from other conditions, so they should be checked. See a dentist for tooth pain, a change in your bite or a jaw that locks, since bite guards and splints are dental treatments. See a doctor promptly for new numbness or weakness in the face, hearing loss or dizziness that does not go away. Call 911 for sudden facial drooping, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body or a sudden, severe headache. Our team can examine your jaw, neck and nerve function and refer you when another provider is needed.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

Several factors can contribute to the development of TMJ disorders, including:

Jaw misalignment: If the jaw or bite is misaligned, it can place unnecessary stress on the temporomandibular joint.
Teeth grinding or clenching: Often linked to stress or anxiety, constant clenching or grinding of teeth puts excessive pressure on the TMJ.
Injury or trauma: Accidents, whiplash, or falls can damage the TMJ or the surrounding muscles, leading to pain and dysfunction.
Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joint, causing inflammation and pain.
Genetic factors: Some individuals may inherit an increased risk for TMJ disorders due to joint structure or muscle dysfunction.

Our Chiropractic Services in Jacksonville, FL

At East Coast Injury Clinic, we provide a comprehensive range of services designed to help you recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve your overall health.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Injury Care

Specialized Chiropractic

Adjunct Therapies

Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment in Jacksonville, FL

We understand the discomfort that TMJ disorders can cause, and we’re committed to providing effective, non-surgical TMJ treatment in Jacksonville, FL that promotes healing and pain relief. Here are the treatment options we offer:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic care plays a significant role in TMJ treatment by realigning the spine and jaw. Spinal misalignments, particularly in the neck and upper back, can contribute to jaw pain. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the jaw joint, improve movement, and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles.

2. Physical Therapy & Jaw Exercises

Targeted physical therapy helps to strengthen the jaw muscles, improve jaw function, and alleviate pain. Specific jaw exercises can help restore normal movement, improve flexibility, and prevent further damage to the joint. These exercises are customized based on your symptoms and progress.

3. Bite Guards or Splints

For patients who grind their teeth or clench their jaw at night, bite guards or splints can prevent damage to the teeth and alleviate stress on the temporomandibular joint. These devices also help to relax the jaw muscles and reduce pain.

4. Manual Therapy

Manual therapy techniques are used to address muscle tension and stiffness around the jaw. These techniques may include myofascial release and trigger point therapy, which target specific areas of muscle tightness to reduce pain and improve jaw function.

5. Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a significant contributor to TMJ disorders, and addressing stress through relaxation techniques can significantly reduce symptoms. At East Coast Injury Clinic, we offer guidance on stress-reduction techniques, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, and lifestyle modifications to promote overall well-being.

6. Ice/Heat Therapy

Both ice and heat therapy can help reduce inflammation, ease muscle spasms, and provide pain relief. Ice is typically used in the acute phase to reduce swelling, while heat can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow to the area.

Benefits of TMJ treatment in Jacksonville, FL

Benefit	Description	How It Helps
Pain Relief	TMJ treatment reduces jaw, neck, and shoulder pain caused by jaw misalignments or muscle tension.	Alleviates discomfort, making daily activities like chewing and talking easier.
Improved Jaw Function	Treatment improves the movement and flexibility of the jaw, reducing stiffness and difficulty in movement.	Restores normal jaw movement, easing chewing and speaking, and preventing jaw locking.
Headache Reduction	Many TMJ patients experience chronic headaches or migraines; treatment targets the root cause of these.	Reduces frequency and intensity of headaches, improving quality of life.
Decreased Teeth Grinding & Clenching	Bite guards and stress management techniques help reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which worsen TMJ symptoms.	Protects the teeth, reduces jaw strain, and alleviates pain from grinding.
Reduced Muscle Tension	Manual therapies like myofascial release and trigger point therapy target tight muscles around the jaw.	Eases muscle tightness, leading to improved mobility and comfort in the jaw.

Why Choose East Coast Injury Clinic

At East Coast Injury Clinic, we have a team of highly trained specialists with years of experience in treating TMJ disorders. We use evidence-based techniques and personalized treatment plans to address your unique symptoms and ensure the most suitable possible outcomes.

Non-Invasive, Effective Treatments: Our non-surgical approach focuses on natural healing and non-invasive therapies, ensuring a safe and effective treatment experience without the need for invasive procedures or medications.
Personalized Care: We understand that every patient’s needs are different. That’s why we offer customized treatment plans based on a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, lifestyle, and underlying causes of your TMJ disorder.
Convenient Location: Located at 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 609, Jacksonville, FL, we are easily accessible to patients across Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Our team is committed to providing attentive care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

5/5

Our Satisfied Customers

Heather and Ariyana are always welcoming! The staff is unbelievable sweet and thoughtful. Very considerate of everyone and their time. Never ever feels like a gimmick. I truly wish this company could be my family doctor as well! Nothing like healing in the right place, the right time with the right people.

The sessions are excellent, with a highly skilled and friendly staff. The physical exercise staff, massage, and chiropractic sessions are all great. When I first arrived, I had limited mobility, but thanks to their effective treatments, I already feel a significant improvement in my healing process. I am extremely grateful to each and every one of you.

This place is amazing! The staff is super friendly. The physical therapists are kind and understanding and helped me heal. The doctors listened to all my concerns! I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to feel better! Bianca is hands down the BEST manual therapist and Bradley was often my PT and is very knowledgeable.

The whole staff is AWESOME. Every visit is a 1:1 physical therapy session. The whole staff is professional, knowledgeable and pleasant. They truly listen and care for their patients. I feel like my treatment is in great hands. The organizational culture in this office is superb. Everyone is always happy and get along with each other. Most importantly, they show sincere appreciation and care for every single patient. The office manager is the BEST as well.

Absolutely love love love this place. I’ve done treatment here twice now after two car accidents within a year. Dr.V and her team are so sweet, super caring and will absolutely help you with whatever. Bianca is the most sweetest person I’ve ever met in my life, I enjoy all the conversations I get to have with her doing our Manual sessions.

I cannot express how helpful this amazing business is! Tried out their Shockwave therapy and I will forever sing its praises. It was immediate relief! The staff is so very kind and knowledgeable the second you walk in the door! Ms Connie was the best person with such a gentle touch for the Shockwave. She explains as she goes and continues to ask if it is feeling okay. Cannot recommend enough! Reach out to them, you will not regret it! ~ Linda G.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal treatment for TMJ pain?

The treatment depends on the severity of your condition. At East Coast Injury Clinic, we recommend a combination of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and stress management techniques. Individual results vary.

How long does it take to see results from TMJ treatment?

Treatment time varies from patient to patient. Some patients experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may take a few weeks to see significant improvement. Our team will work with you to track progress and adjust treatments accordingly.

Can chiropractic care help with TMJ?

It may help. Chiropractic care for TMJ can include gentle jaw and neck adjustments and soft-tissue work, which may help reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint and ease pain. Individual results vary.

Is TMJ surgery necessary?

Most cases of TMJ disorders can be treated effectively without surgery. At East Coast Injury Clinic, we offer non-invasive therapies that may provide relief for many patients. Surgery is typically considered only for severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments.

How do I know if I have TMJ?

If you experience jaw pain, clicking or popping in your jaw, difficulty chewing, or frequent headaches, you may have a TMJ disorder. Schedule a consultation with us to receive a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis.

Can stress cause TMJ disorders?

Yes, stress can contribute to TMJ disorders. Stress can cause you to clench your jaw or grind your teeth, leading to strain on the temporomandibular joint. Our team offers stress-reduction techniques to help manage this aspect of the condition.

Can TMJ cause neurological symptoms?

It can cause symptoms that feel neurological, such as ear pain or fullness, ringing in the ears, headaches, facial tingling or dizziness, because the jaw joint sits next to the ear and shares nerves and muscles with the face and neck. These symptoms can also come from other conditions, so get them checked. See a doctor promptly for new facial numbness or weakness or hearing loss, and call 911 for sudden facial drooping, trouble speaking or weakness on one side of the body.

Can a car accident cause TMJ pain?

Yes, it can. The same forces that cause whiplash can strain the jaw joint and the muscles around it, and jaw pain, clicking or headaches may show up days or weeks after a crash. For Florida PIP to pay medical benefits, initial care must begin within 14 days of the accident.

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The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not constitute a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results vary. East Coast Injury Clinic’s services may not be appropriate for every condition or patient. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional to determine whether these services are right for your specific situation. Information provided about insurance, PIP, workers’ compensation, OWCP, or Longshore coverage is general and is not legal advice. For legal questions related to a claim, consult a licensed attorney.

East Coast Injury Clinic | 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 609, Jacksonville, FL 32256 | 13453 N Main St, Suite 302, Jacksonville, FL 32218 | 904-513-3954 | eastcoastinjury.com

East Coast Injury Clinic: Serving Jacksonville and Duval County

Two Jacksonville clinics, one injury team: Southside at 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 609, and North Jacksonville at 13453 N Main St, Suite 302.