Before we discuss conservative TMJ Treatments we will go over the anatomy of the joint. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. The TMJ is responsible for opening and closing of the mouth. Proper opening mechanics involves both mandible depression and chin retrusion. Alternatively mouth closing includes mandible elevation and chin protrusion. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the joint itself, the muscles of mastication, neck pain, mid back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, or all of the above. This array of locations associated with TMJ pain makes the exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder difficult to determine without a full functional approach. It has been shown that in most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders, when not associated with a injury to the jaw, can be alleviated with nonsurgical conservative care.
Conservative TMJ treatments are always recommended prior to more invasive techniques due to the fact that TMJ pain and discomfort when it is not related to direct trauma to the jaw can be relieved with non-invasive treatment. Since it is a joint, with tissue and muscle, like any other in the body, the treatments are similar to how you would treat any other inflamed joint or muscle. For example the TMJ relax position, shown below, can be a great self care exercise to reduce the tension and tone in the jaw muscles compounding the TMJ joint.
At Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic we strive to assess and treat the body as a whole. Instead of focusing on the site of pain we look at the body dynamically using movement based tests to breakout areas of dysfunction which may be leading to your TMJ pain. Our TMJ treatments begin with an assessment. The assessment will include trigger point assessment to the muscles head, neck, and jaw. Assessment for joint restriction, range of motion tests, orthopedic evaluation and movement screens. Our treatment may consist of Chiropractic adjustments to the neck and mid back, Myofascial release (Active Release Techniques, Dry Needling, stretching) and rehabilitation exercises to address muscle imbalances. We strive to provide the most up to date and evidenced based forms of care emphasizing an active care model where the patient becomes an active role in their treatment. New patients are always welcome at Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic, to schedule a consultation call us at 402-292-1450, or schedule online.
Dr. Behm was born and raised in Papillion, NE. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and following his undergraduate studies was a certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT – National Strength and Conditioning Association) in the Omaha area for years, helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals. He received his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College – Kansas City. While in school, he received multiple certifications to increase his knowledge of the human body and how to properly assess and treat his patients. This translates into our integrative approach to Chiropractic care and our combination of therapies to better address your musculoskeletal complaints. Dr. Behm is excited to return to his hometown and serve the community around him.
Phone:
(402) 292-1450
Fax:
(402) 291-1817
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 9:00AM–1:00PM, 3:00–6:00PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Address:
3503 Samson Way #115
Bellevue, NE 68123
Get Directions to Our Clinic
Our Chiropractic Clinic is located just minutes from Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE at the northeast corner of 36th street and Hwy 370.
Serving: Bellevue, Offutt, Papillion, and Omaha
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