Living with TMJ tension and pain in St. Augustine FL is a reality for many men and women that keeps them up at night, causes headaches, and literally prevents them from smiling. Frequently TMJ/TMD sufferers are told they need invasive surgery or expensive equipment to fix it, or worse, that it’s all in their head.

But there is a better solution...

Chiropractic care is a safe, research-based and non-invasive solution that provides relief and will get you smiling again.

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What is TMJ or TMD?

TMJ stands for the Temporomandibular Joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMD refers to the disorder or dysfunction that results and causes pain. It affects 10-15% of the population and can be considered a chronic condition.

The exact cause of TMD is often unknown, however, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, many times it is caused by excessive strain on the jaw joints and muscles, as a result of stress, anxiety, a misaligned bite and Bruxism (involuntary grinding and clenching of the teeth).

Trauma to the jaw, neck or head can worsen the condition, as well as arthritis or displacement of the jaw joint discs. Other disorders, such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome may overlap and worsen the symptoms of TMD.

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TMJ has a wide range of symptoms including:

• ear pain
• headaches
• neck pain
• jaw pain or soreness
• jaw pain when biting or chewing
• difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• popping or clicking noises when opening the mouth
• jaw stiffness
• tinnitus
• dizziness
• sensitive teeth when no other dental problems can be found

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Chiropractic Care in St. Augustine FL Can Relieve TMJ Pain

Chiropractic care can provide relief from jaw pain associated with TMJ disorders by using gentle non-invasive adjustments to improve jaw alignment and relieve muscle tension, along with therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stretch jaw muscles.

An initial assessment will determine the cause of the pain, and a chiropractor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and addressing teeth grinding, to help with long-term recovery.

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Dr. Accurso Will Help You Relieve TMJ Pain

Your TMJ pain is real, and not just in your head. Dr. Accurso has specified training to address your jaw pain and can help alleviate the pain and pressure it causes quickly, gently, and effectively.

To determine the source of your jaw pain, Dr Accurso will thoroughly examine your jaw, neck, and spine to check for misalignment or tension that could be causing pain. He will take cervical and lumbar X-rays of your entire spine, and then examine them to search for clues in your bone structure.

He will perform specific, gentle techniques to adjust the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that will improve alignment and reduce pressure. He will adjust your cervical and lumbar spine to improve your overall alignment, and may also use techniques like myofascial release or trigger point therapy, to release muscle tension in the jaw.

To enhance your adjustments in the office, Dr. Accurso will provide you with exercises to help strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles at home, which will improve your range of motion and reduce pain. He may also suggest ways to reduce stress on your jaw, such as addressing teeth grinding and clenching, and improving your posture.

Relief can vary for each person. Some patients feel better within days, while others may take weeks or months, depending on the severity of the condition and consistency of treatment.

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Scientific Studies Support Chiropractic Care for TMD Relief

According to a case study found in the National Library of Medicine, this patient reported a 70% improvement in TMD symptoms, including alleviation of jaw pain, clicking, and popping, as well as reduced headaches and neck pain following 2 weeks of chiropractic care.

The patient also reported an improved range of motion in the jaw and increased neck and shoulder mobility. After four weeks, the patient fully recovered and regained a full score in their quality of life.

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Heather’s Story

Heather had been dealing with jaw pain for a decade. The pain felt like an elephant sitting on her jaw. She had to hold on to her jaw during the day and tossed and turned every night trying to find a position that eased the pain.

Countless doctors and dentists had been unsuccessful at helping her. Botox, braces, surgery. She was even told by one doctor that the recommended treatment would cost her $3500.

Desperate to help his wife, Heather’s husband Scott convinced her to come in and see his chiropractor, Dr. Accurso. What could it hurt? Although she almost cancelled the appointment the night before, Heather came in to see what Dr. Accurso had to say.

After only a few chiropractic treatments, Heather finally experienced relief. The pressure subsided, the pain ceased and she got her radiant smile back.

Read her own words about Dr. Accurso:

I have suffered from TMJ (Jaw Pain) for over 11 years. Migraines, shoulder blade pain, neck pain, pressure in my ears, and jaw pain that has been so bad my cheeks would swell.

I would wake up several times a night because my jaw was not sitting just right on the pillow. It would feel like an elephant was standing on my jaw. Some days it would hurt just to smile. I was constantly aware of how heavy my jaw was sitting. I went to dentists, doctors, and TMJD specialists, but nothing helped. I was told to get Botox or to get another set of braces.

With my husband's encouragement and literal pushing to make an appointment, I finally went to the chiropractor. I almost cancelled the night before because I was afraid another doctor would tell me it was all in my head and there was nothing wrong with me.

I'm so happy I didn't cancel!

• The shoulder blade pain is now non-existent.
• The migraines I was getting daily are gone.
• My neck and head do not hurt.
• My jaw sits better and isn't heavy.
• My ear pressure has decreased significantly.
• The TMJ/jaw pain was at a level 10, and is now at a 1.
• I'm sleeping full nights without waking up!!
• There is no longer an elephant standing on my jaw.

To say I'm thankful for Doctor Accurso is not enough.
He has changed my life, and I've found my smile again!

~Heather Westman

She says she is beyond grateful for Dr. Joe and what chiropractic treatments have done for her, and it is a joy for us to see her every time she comes into the office.

Chiropractic care is a gentle, affordable, scientific-based option for TMJ relief, and Dr. Accurso can help you, too. Do you know someone struggling with TMJ jaw pain? Send them this post and tell them Dr. Accurso can help.

Call today and get your smile back!