If you are experiencing TMJ pain, you already know how it can impact your ability to enjoy the foods you love. TMJ pain can also spread to cause facial pain and headaches. If you are pregnant, pregnancy can make TMJ pain much worse. Your chiropractor can help. Dr. Jacob Klein at the Klein Clinic in New York, NY, provides comprehensive chiropractic services, including TMJ/TMD treatment.
How Pregnancy Can Affect TMJ/TMD Problems
Pregnancy causes dramatic changes all over your body. Hormone levels fluctuate, you may retain fluid, and you will probably feel additional stress. All of these factors can increase temporomandibular joint or TMJ symptoms. When you have chronic TMJ symptoms, you have a condition known as a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Signs and symptoms of TMJ and TMD include:
- Clicking or popping when you chew
- Pain and stiffness in your jaw
- Your jaw locking in place
- Difficulty eating
- Headaches and facial pain
If you are experiencing TMJ/TMD pain due to pregnancy or other factors, it’s time to visit your chiropractor, who may recommend:
- Facial exercises to relax jaw muscles
- Applying cold packs to decrease swelling
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain
- Switching to soft foods and avoiding chewing gum or sticky foods
- Trying a nightguard if you are grinding or clenching at night
- Gently massage your jaw muscles and face
- Applying moist heat or ice to your jaw
- Massage therapy for your jaw and face
- TENS electrical therapy to relax muscles
- Manual manipulation to reduce pressure on nerves
You don’t need to suffer when you have TMJ pain. Your chiropractor can help you manage your TMJ pain while you are pregnant. TMJ pain may resolve after pregnancy, or it may continue and become chronic. Your chiropractor can help you get relief from chronic TMJ pain.
Want to Know More About How Pregnancy Can Affect TMJ/TMD?
To find out more about managing symptoms of TMJ/TMD and the effects of pregnancy, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Jacob Klein at the Klein Clinic in New York, NY. You can reach him in the office by calling (917) 661-8014, so call today.