Do I Need Surgery ?

This is a question no one really wants to ask, but most people want to know the answer to when it comes to painful conditions of the joints, and issues with the TMJ are no exception! Thankfully, TMJ or other related jaw surgery is rarely needed to help most people find relief from pain, and improvement with opening and closing the mouth. One large study done back in the early 2000's and included over 2000 patients, found a surgery rate of only about 2.5%.

The surgeries that were done broke down as follows:

Arthrocentesis (taking fluid out of the joint)  1.4%

Arthroscopy  (inserting a  camera and surgery equipment through a small hole)  1.0 %

Open Joint Procedures (opening an incision a few inches long, usually reserved for severe cases)  .1 %

While these numbers may change over geographic areas, I think they are likely a good indicator that most cases of TMJ issues don't end up with a surgery.

If Not Surgery, Then What Will Help ?

Since surgery is so rare in the TMJ, I have actually not seen any patients that have had it for this joint. However, over the years in our general chiropractic practice, we have found that surgery is more likely to be successful if conservative measures fail. Specifically those patients who did not get better with direct treatment of the muscles, ligaments, disc and joint proper likely had a condition that surgery would help. The nice thing about trying the conservative approach first is that if it is not helpful, it us typically not harmful.  The same can't be said for surgical procedures as they by nature have to create some tissue damage even when attempting to improve the overall picture. Conservative measures can include the following:

• Low Level (non cutting) Laser for Inflammation and Nerve Activation
• Instrument Assisted manipulation of the TMJ to restore normal movement and disc position
• Trigger Point Therapy to reduce muscle adhesions
• Stretches and Exercises to restore normal movement patterns
• Specific Nutrition (non-drug) to reduce inflammation and relax muscles
• Posture and Lifestyle Modification to reduce strain on the TMJ

If you are suffering from TMJ symptoms and have questions about which way to go, contact our office. I would be happy to talk with you over the phone and discuss your condition and see if we can make some suggestions on getting you out of pain and on the way back to health.

Yours in Health,

Doug Williams, D.C.
TMJ Relief Center at Care Chiropractic
134 Executive Drive #3
Lafayette, Indiana
47905
(765) 448-6489