Have you ever experienced a clicking sound when you open or close your jaw?
Maybe you’re chewing a piece of gum or yawning, and suddenly there’s a noticeable “pop.” You’re not alone—jaw clicking is a common issue that affects many people in Saskatoon and beyond.
While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, this clicking or popping sound can be a sign of a deeper issue within your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, we often see patients experiencing jaw discomfort, and one of the most common causes is an anterior displaced disc in the TMJ.
But what does that mean, and why is it happening? In this blog, we’ll dive into what causes your jaw to click, what the underlying issues are, and how the experienced team at E3 Chiropractic + Wellness can help you find relief.
What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
Before we get into the causes of jaw clicking, let’s talk about the TMJ itself. The TMJ is the hinge-like joint that connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull. This joint is responsible for the wide range of motions your jaw can make—such as opening, closing, and moving side to side. Every time you chew, speak, or yawn, you’re using your TMJ.
The TMJ is unique because it contains a small disc of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones of the joint. This disc ensures smooth and pain-free movement. However, when something goes wrong with this disc, it can lead to discomfort, clicking sounds, and even chronic pain.
Why Does Your Jaw Click?
A primary reason for jaw clicking is anterior disc displacement. In simpler terms, this means that the small disc of cartilage inside your TMJ has slipped out of its normal position.
Typically, this disc should sit snugly between the bones of the joint, cushioning them during movement. However, if the disc moves too far forward (anteriorly), it can disrupt the smooth motion of the jaw.
How Does Anterior Disc Displacement Happen?
There are several reasons why the disc in the TMJ might become displaced:
Trauma or Injury: An injury to the jaw, such as from a fall or an impact during sports, can cause the disc to shift out of place.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth, often while sleeping, can put excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to disc displacement.
Poor Posture: Believe it or not, poor neck and head posture (like slouching over a computer or phone) can place undue strain on the muscles and joints of the jaw.
Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis can affect the TMJ, wearing down the cartilage and causing the disc to move.
When the disc is displaced, it may get caught between the bones of the joint, creating a clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves. Over time, this can lead to pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty with everyday activities like eating or speaking.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
If your jaw is clicking, it’s often accompanied by other symptoms. Here’s what to look out for:
Jaw Pain: You may feel discomfort or pain in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles.
Headaches: Tension in the TMJ can lead to frequent headaches, particularly around the temples.
Difficulty Chewing: A displaced disc can make it painful or difficult to chew food.
Limited Jaw Movement: You might find it hard to fully open your mouth, or experience “locking” of the jaw.
Ear Pain or Fullness: The TMJ is located near the ear canal, so issues with the joint can sometimes mimic ear pain or fullness.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and while they may come and go, it’s important not to ignore them. Chronic TMJ issues can lead to long-term damage if left untreated.
How Can a Saskatoon Chiropractor Help with TMJ Issues?
If you’re dealing with jaw clicking or TMJ pain, the good news is that help is available. At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, our experienced team is equipped to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders effectively. Here’s how we can assist:
1. Comprehensive Assessment
The first step is a thorough assessment of your TMJ, neck, and surrounding muscles. We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your jaw’s range of motion, and identify any triggers or contributing factors like posture issues or teeth grinding.
2. Joint Mobilization
THe jaw is the most mobile joint in the human body, and often times does not need to be adjusted.
However, it is common for one TMJ to be more stiff than the other. Gentle movbilizations can help improve motion of the stiff joint.
Targeted joint mobilization also provides great success in returning the anteriorly displaced disc to its proper position.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy
Our Chiropractor may use soft tissue techniques, such as massage or myofascial release, to relax tight muscles in the jaw and neck. Releasing this tension can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
4. Postural Correction
Poor posture can contribute significantly to TMJ problems. We’ll work with you to develop strategies and exercises to improve your posture, reducing strain on the jaw and preventing future issues.
5. Home Care and Exercises
We provide our patients with personalized exercises to strengthen the muscles around the TMJ and improve jaw stability. These exercises can help you maintain your results and prevent recurring pain.
Why Choose E3 Chiropractic + Wellness?
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, we take a holistic approach to treating TMJ disorders. We don’t just focus on the symptoms—we address the root cause of your discomfort to provide long-lasting relief. Here’s what sets us apart:
Expert Team: Our chiropractor has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.
Personalized Care: We tailor our treatment plans to meet your specific needs and lifestyle.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: We utilize the latest techniques and therapies to ensure you get the best possible care.
Convenient Location: Located in Evergreen, Saskatoon, we’re easily accessible and ready to help you find relief.
Take the Next Step Towards Pain-Free Living
If you’re tired of living with jaw clicking and discomfort, it’s time to take action. Don’t let TMJ pain interfere with your daily life—reach out to E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, your trusted Saskatoon Chiropractor, today. We’ll work with you to create a customized treatment plan that gets you back to feeling your best.
Book Your Appointment Today! Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ-related symptoms, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Don’t wait—take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life today. Jaw clicking can be more than just a minor annoyance; it’s often a sign of an underlying issue that deserves attention.
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, we’re dedicated to helping you understand the root cause of your symptoms and providing effective, compassionate care.
Ready to find relief? Click HERE to book a FREE Discovery Call!
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