Temporomandibular Disorders

According to the National Institutes of Health, Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. A physician, including chiropractors, or dentist may help in the diagnosis and treatment of TMDs.

There are 3 main categories of TMDs, each category contains several types of TMJ disorders

Disorders of the joint, including disc disorders
Disorders of the muscles and ligaments involved in jaw movements
Headaches associated with TMD

Dr. Katie Smoron, D.C. is trained to evaluate each patient in all 3 of these categories and provide the necessary care.

Craniofacial Chiropractic Care for TMDs

There are a variety of treatment options available to patients suffering from TMDs. These treatments range from over the counter pain medication and occlusal guards, custom dental appliances, prescribed medication, physical therapy and chiropractic care, to surgery.

Cranial chiropractic care, craniopathy, is a chiropractic adjusting technique that provides gentle, safe adjustments to your spine, head, and other key areas. Craniofacial Care combines both craniopathy and physical therapy to regain function and reduce pain. Craniopathy methods are the only chiropractic method with both TMJ and orthodontic co-treatment protocols.

In addition to her chiropractic training, Dr. Smoron, D.C., has additional training in Cranial and SOT chiropractic, Craniosacral technique, acupuncture, orofacial myofunctional therapy and TMJ specific physical therapy techniques. All of these methods have been shown to provide lasting pain relief and encourage proper function of the jaw reducing, often eliminating, future TMD episodes.