Some of the most common complaints from patients who have been in auto accidents are jaw pain, neck pain, and even back pain. Whiplash injuries are often overlooked in the temporomandibular joints, and once this area becomes injured, it can be troublesome for patients to recover from the impact. At JawMatrix, we will work with you to help you fully recover by working with conservative treatment options for your jawline and neck.
Why jaw pain is often overlooked after auto accidents
The joints in the jaw, or TMJ, help connect the jawline to the head, allowing you to chew and speak with no problem. But when this area is injured, especially in the case of whiplash, the jarring motion can create long-term tension along the sides of the head where the jaw muscles are attached. According to researchers, patients who suffered whiplash in auto accidents were five times more likely to develop TMD than those who did not go through whiplash injuries.
However, most people don’t connect their TMD to their previous accidents. While signs of dental trauma can be observed and treated by dentists, most cases of joint dysfunction, soft tissue injuries, or fascia tension are left unaddressed by many doctors in the field. When TMD is left unaddressed, it can progress to many other chronic problems later on, including:
- Bruxism from Bite Issues: Dental damage can easily occur with TMD, as bruxism is one of the most recurring symptoms associated with this condition. Tooth grinding can cause further problems, destroying the enamel and leading to chipped, cracked, and broken teeth.
- Degenerative Jaw Damage: Any damage left untreated after an auto accident can easily lead to problems with joint function. If misaligned, the joint can become dislocated, causing inflammation and pain.
- Chronic Headaches/Migraines: TMJ pain is directly correlated with chronic headaches and migraines, as it is believed that the trigeminal nerve plays a role in migraine development.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by a misaligned jaw. This condition cuts off oxygen to the body and brain during sleep, leading to low energy and fatigue throughout the day.
At JawMatrix, we’re here to address the problem by focusing our efforts on a chiropractic-dental approach. Through this approach, people with signs of TMJ, sleep apnea, bruxism, and migraines can fully recover at our office through posture adjustment, joint manipulation, and massage therapy. These long-term solutions can help drastically reduce pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and head from a whiplash injury. We can work with you to treat your musculoskeletal injuries and help you get back to normal.
How JawMatrix helps you recover from auto accidents with excellent care
Our specialists work with the intricacies of the jawline and neck to highlight our place for care. We use alternative approaches to treat and prevent jaw pain, neck pain, and cluster headaches. We combine over 40 years of experience in the field of TMD treatment, working with techniques such as myofascial release, posture training, neuromuscular exercises, and other forms of physical therapy to give patients the treatments they need to recover.
By scheduling regular visits, we can help you experience fulfilling progress with our various chiropractic treatments. Our doctors are willing to work with you to achieve your goals and give you fulfilling jaw pain relief that lasts. Contact JawMatrix in Burbank, CA, to schedule an appointment today!