Aculosophy is the premier acupuncture clinic in Etobicoke, dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments for those suffering from chronic pain in the jaw, face, head, neck, or shoulders. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it may be due to a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Acupuncture is a gentle and efficient treatment option for TMJ, offering relief without the need for invasive procedures or medication.
WHAT IS TMJ:
Clinically known as temporomandibular disorder, is characterized by pain in the temporomandibular joint. This joint is located on either side of your head, just in front of your ears. TMJ pain can significantly impact your work and social life, making activities like eating with family and friends difficult and uncomfortable. It can even lead to depression and anxiety due to the constant pain experienced while eating.
SYMPTOMS OF TMJ:
Symptoms of TMJ include tenderness and pain around the jaw joint, as well as in the muscles of the jaw, face, or around the ears. This condition can affect your ability to open or close your mouth, and you may experience popping sounds when doing so. Chewing can also become challenging. In our clinical practice, we have found that TMJ is often connected to neck pain, particularly dysfunction in the Levator Scapulae muscle.
CAUSE OF TMJ:
Several factors can contribute to TMJ, including joint injuries, tooth clenching or grinding, and neck muscle tension, especially in the Levator Scapulae muscle. Stress is also a possible contributing factor.
TREATING TMJ AND HOW ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP YOU:
Acupuncture treatments can help alleviate sore jaw muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area by stimulating nerves in the body. Our skilled acupuncturists will carefully insert tiny needles along specific acupuncture points, increasing blood flow to the head and neck. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels, which is a contributing factor in developing TMJ. Clients often experience a sense of calm and relaxation after acupuncture treatments, leading to the relaxation of jaw muscles. Before beginning any treatment at Aculosophy, we will schedule an Initial Exam with our licensed practitioner. During this exam, a physical examination will be conducted to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition. In addition to specialized tests for TMJ, we will also perform stability tests for the neck and shoulders. At our clinic, we take a holistic approach to treating all health problems, including TMJ. Our goal is not only to address the symptoms of TMJ but also to consider the entire picture of symptoms and lifestyle habits that may be contributing factors. Our TCM practitioners will seek to identify the root cause of TMJ and address it, ensuring that the pain does not return. We also place a strong emphasis on diet, providing our clients with a plan to avoid foods that cause inflammation in the body, thus speeding up the treatment progress. Our ultimate goal is not just short-term pain relief but also the correction of underlying causes of neck pain.