Understanding TMJ / TMD Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ / TMD) affect millions of people worldwide, causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. From difficulty chewing to persistent headaches, the impact of TMJ disorders can significantly reduce one’s quality of life.
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, enabling essential functions like speaking and chewing. TMJ / TMD disorders can result from various causes, including stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, or jaw misalignment. Common symptoms include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping or crunching sounds when opening the mouth
Limited jaw mobility
Headaches or earaches
Neck and shoulder tension
Treatments such as physical therapy, medications, dental botox and even surgery can provide relief, but acupuncture can be just as effective and less intrusive. More importantly it gets to the root cause of the TMJ/TMD pain which means the results are longer lasting rather than a band-aid fix.
TMJ / TMD and Pelvic Floor Disorder
In Sarah's experience, many patients also have pelvic floor pain as well as TMJ/TMD, such as lower back pain, digestive issues (constipation, diarrhoea), urinary incontinence, gynaecological issues (eg PCOS), some form of prolapse (eg uterine prolapse, haemorrhoids). Acupuncture can treat both issues at the same time and can also help to relief the TMJ/TMD with longer lasting results.
TMJ / TMD and Stress
Stress is often a key trigger for TMJ/TMD. Many times clients are unaware that they are under some form of stress, particulalry amongst chronic sufferers. Acupuncture is very effective for managing stress. By helping to reduce stress, the pain of TMJ/ TMD can be managed at the same time.
How Can Acupuncture Help TMJ Pain?
Several mechanisms suggest acupuncture could benefit individuals with TMJ / TMD disorders:
Pain Relief: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which may reduce TMJ-related pain.
Muscle Relaxation: By targeting acupoints around the jaw, neck, and shoulders, acupuncture can alleviate muscle tension contributing to TMJ / TMD pain; and helping to improve jaw movement.
Stress Reduction: Since stress often exacerbates TMJ disorders, acupuncture’s calming effects on the nervous system can be particularly helpful.
Improved Circulation: Acupuncture promotes blood flow to the affected areas, enhancing healing and reducing inflammation.
Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for TMJ
Research on acupuncture for TMJ disorders is ongoing. Some findings include:
A 2024 study published in the QJM - An International Journal of Medicine, found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity and improved jaw opening and movement in patients with TMJ disorders.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian studies concluded that acupuncture reduced the intensity of TMD pain and promoted the benefits of mandibular movement..
What to Expect During Acupuncture for TMJ Pain
During an acupuncture session for TMJ pain, a licensed acupuncturist will assess your symptoms and target specific acupoints. These may include:
Local points near the jaw and ear (e.g., GB3, ST7, ST6, SJ17, SI17, SI18)
Distal points on the hands and feet that influence jaw function (e.g., LI4, GB34, GB41, ST44, SJ5, SI4, BL64)
Points to relieve stress and tension (e.g., DU20, PC6, LIV3, SI7)
The procedure is generally painless, and most patients report feeling relaxed afterward. Treatment plans often involve weekly sessions over a few weeks. Most people report noticeable reduction in pain within the first few sessions
Case studies
Jane was coming out from a stressful time in life, having breaking up from a long-term relationship and moving home. Jane was suffering from stress, IBS and TMJ / TMD. Jane was treated for all conditions. Her TMJ/TMD pain was significantly reduced within the first few sessions. Jane continued with her acupuncture treatments to work on reducing her stress and IBS symptoms. By working on managing her stress levels (the root cause of her TMJ/TMD), the TMJ/TMD pain has no longer come back.
Summary
While acupuncture may not be a standalone cure for TMJ disorders, it offers a valuable tool for pain management and stress reduction. Whether combined with conventional treatments or used independently, many patients find significant relief through this ancient practice. If TMJ pain is affecting your quality of life, acupuncture could be worth exploring.
Further reading:
Liu, L., Chen, Q., Lyu, T., Zhao, L., Miao, Q., Liu, Y., Nie, L., Fu, F., Li, S., Zeng, C., Zhang, Y., Peng, P., Wang, W., Lin, Y., & Li, B. (2024). Effect of acupuncture for temporomandibular disorders: A randomized clinical trial. QJM. 2024 May 6;117(9):647–656. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcae094
Grillo, C. M., De la Torre Canales, G., Wada, R. S., Alves, M. C., Barbosa, C. M. R., Berzin, F., & de Sousa, M. L. R. (2015). Could acupuncture be useful in the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction? Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 8(1), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2014.12.001
Tag: acupuncture for TMJ pain, acupuncture for TMD pain, facial pain, temporomandibular disorder, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture
Sarah San Acupuncture is located near Esher, Cobham, Claygate, Oxshott, Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Surrey.
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