Acupuncture for TMJ in Albuquerque

Acupuncture for TMJ in Albuquerque and how it works to relieve jaw pain

Thanks to Dr. Lee Medina and her association with Dr. Abeyta, we are learning much about acupuncture. In this article (also posted on Dr. Lee’s site at drleemedina.com) we find that acupuncture for TMJ is a viable solution to a real issue.

What is TMJ?

TMJ, the Temporomandibular joint – is the joint that attaches the jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, happens when there is a problem with the jaw and muscles in the face. TMJ syndrome is commonly caused by stress, teeth grinding, and other outward habits such as constant gum chewing. Injury or trauma to the jaw and arthritis can also bring about TMJ syndrome.

TMJ symptoms can include stiffness, soreness, and popping or clicking of the jaw. It can lead to headaches, neck pain and difficulty chewing.

For many people suffering from pain and compressed jaw movement, acupuncture is one of the most effective drug-free treatments available.

TMJ symptoms can include, stiffness, soreness, popping or clicking of the jaw. It can lead to headaches, neck pain and difficulty chewing.

For many people suffering from pain and compressed jaw movement, acupuncture is one of the most effective drug-free treatments available.

Many people are already aware of the benefits of acupuncture, from emotional disorders to digestive maladies. It can be beneficial for managing pain due to an injury, or pain or associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis. But how effectively does it treat TMJ?

In a recent British study, 70 dental patients received acupuncture to treat TMJ. Out of the 70 people, 85% of them reported a 75% reduction in pain.

The basic idea behind the theory of acupuncture is that energy flows through the body on very specific pathways. When these pathways become clogged, pain and disease occur. Inserting very fine needles into specific points on these pathways promotes the flow of energy, relieving pain and discomfort. Of the twenty pathways in the body, four of them pass directly through the jaw joint.

For TMJ syndrome, an acupuncturists will insert thin needles around the jaw and ear, as well as the big toe, elbows, and knees. The number of sessions necessary to treat TMJ will vary from patient to patient but the results can be extremely long-lasting.

An acupuncturist will also examine your environment and lifestyle, and may suggest changes to support further healing. Understanding the source of the problem is key to stopping the condition from returning. Sometimes there is a behavioral or psychological adjustment that needs to happen for stress and tension to be lifted as well.

Other supportive methods that complement acupuncture treatments can include change in diet, taking up yoga for stress reduction and relaxation techniques, massage, and Chinese herbs.

We know that dental work is not fun, and TMJ can be unbearable. Dr. Lee Medina and Dr. Alicia Abeyta, DDS, integrate dentistry and medicine together and find a healing modality that works for you. Customized treatment serves to help the person — not just the issue.