Jaw or TMJ pain is a fairly typical problem experienced by many people after a auto collision, and it can be tough for some physicians to diagnose the root of the issue. Complicating the issue, very often you won't develop TMJ pain until many weeks or months after the original injury.
Dr. Holland has treated many people with jaw pain after an injury, and the scientific literature explains what produces these types of problems. During a auto collision, the tissues in your spine are frequently stretched or torn, causing ligament, muscle, or nerve damage. This can obviously cause pain in the neck and back, but since your central nervous system is one functioning unit, irritation of the nerves can cause pain in other parts of your body.
For instance, with radicular pain, irritation of a nerve can cause tingling or numbness in the arm or hand. Similarly, it can affect parts of your body above the injured tissues, like your head and jaw. Headaches after auto injury are very common because of neck injury, and the jaw works the same way. Dr. Holland sees this very frequently in our North County St. Louis, MO office.
Research shows that the root of many jaw or TMJ symptoms originates in the cervical spine and that treatment of the underlying neck problem can resolve the secondary headaches or jaw symptoms. The secret to resolving these symptoms is simple: Dr. Holland will work to return your spinal column back to health, reducing the inflammation, treating the injured tissues, and lessening the irritation to the nerves in your spine.
Dr. Holland finds that jaw and headache issues often resolve once we return your spine to its healthy condition.
If you live in North County St. Louis, MO and you've been injured in a crash, Dr. Holland can help. We've been treating auto injury patients for many years and we can most likely help you, too. Give our office a call today at (314) 867-8888 for an appointment or consultation.
Ciancaglini R, Testa M, Radaelli G. Association of neck pain with symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction in the general adult population. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 1999;31:17-22.
Brantingham JW, Cassa TK, Bonnefin D, Pribicevic M, Robb A, et al. Manipulative and multimodal therapy for upper extremity and temporomandibular disorders: a system review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2013;36(3):143-201.
We have a long-standing track record or helping people get out of pain with chiropractic care. Whether you were injured last week, or have been suffering from chronic pain for years - It might only take one visit to our office in Downtown Saint Louis, MO to get you back on the path to everyday health.
