Jane Chan Acupuncture & low level laser on Macquarie Street Sydney City
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. These disorders can lead to pain, discomfort, and limited jaw movement.
While traditional treatments exist, alternative approaches like acupuncture, low-level laser therapy and microcurrent acupuncture have gained attention for their effectiveness in managing TMJ disorders.
It's essential to understand what causes TMJ disorders. Some common causes include:
Malocclusion: An improper bite alignment that affects how the teeth come together.
Bruxism: Habitual teeth grinding or clenching, often due to stress or sleep-related issues.
Joint Degeneration: Wear and tear on the joint due to age or conditions like arthritis.
Muscle Tension: Overuse or strain of the muscles around the jaw joint, often due to stress or poor posture.
Injury: Trauma to the jaw or surrounding area that affects the joint's function.
Acupuncture for TMJ
How does it help?
How acupuncture or using microcurrent acupuncture (a needle free treatment) is thought to modulate the nerves and potentially alleviate TMJ symptoms:
Pain Gate Theory: One way acupuncture may help with TMJ pain is through the gate control theory. According to this theory, the stimulation of certain acupuncture points can activate large nerve fibers that transmit non-painful sensations. This stimulation can "close the gate" for pain signals traveling through smaller nerve fibers, thereby reducing the perception of pain from the TMJ area.
Release of Endorphins: Acupuncture has been associated with the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, the body may release these endorphins, leading to pain relief and a sense of relaxation.
Nervous System Modulation: Acupuncture can influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and stress response. By targeting specific acupuncture points, practitioners may help regulate the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system. This modulation can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation around the TMJ area.
Neurotransmitter Regulation: Acupuncture may influence the release of various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a role in pain perception and mood. By balancing these neurotransmitters, acupuncture could contribute to reducing both pain and stress associated with TMJ.
Neuroplasticity: Acupuncture might also influence neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself in response to experiences. This could be particularly relevant in chronic TMJ cases where the brain might have developed patterns of pain perception. Acupuncture might help the brain "relearn" healthy pain responses.
Low level laser/cold laser therapy for TMJ
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy, utilizes low-intensity lasers to stimulate cell function. In treating TMJ disorders, LLLT is believed to:
Reduce Inflammation: The low-level laser can help mitigate inflammation in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues, which can contribute to pain and limited movement.
Stimulate Healing: LLLT may promote cellular repair and regeneration, aiding in the recovery of damaged joint tissues.
Modulate Pain Perception: The therapy may influence nerve activity to decrease pain signals transmitted from the affected area.
Acupuncture, Microcurrent Acupuncture and low-level laser therapy offer alternative approaches for managing TMJ disorders. By targeting pain, inflammation, and muscle tension, these therapies aim to improve jaw function and alleviate discomfort. However, their effectiveness may vary among individuals.