TMJ Examination and Assessment

The most significant parts of the human spine are the TMJ and the upper cervical area. There is moderately strong research evidence indicating the susceptibility of patients with extensor neck muscular hypertonicity and global and upper neck vertebral hypomobility to develop TMD. The muscles with “lower endurance” indicate that they are not functioning as efficiently as intended. As a result, they fatigue more quickly which may lead to head and neck issues such as neck discomfort, shoulder pain, headaches, and migraines.

With TMD, it is not merely a problem of “malocclusion” or “stress,” but includes postural distortions, weak or inhibited muscles, faulty biomechanics, and neurologic proprioceptive alternations associated with chronic subluxation patterns., When the structural integrity of this area is disrupted, it is crucial for all chiropractors to grasp the local and global repercussions that may arise.

Unfortunately, most programs provide a minimal understanding of the approaches and assessments to effectively manage TMJ issues.  A significant number of the population suffer from some version of this TMD and could inadvertently develop instability and chronicity.  One outcome of these webinars/seminars would be to provide some degree of confidence on how to work with TMJ conditions, either in isolation or best, in conjunction with other health disciplines.

Although the webinar will cover the items listed below on the ‘TMJ Examination Flowchart”, the seminar will review anatomy, biomechanics, examination procedures (observation and postural inspection), differentiating TMJ conditions, mobilizations, adjustments, and recommended homecare and/or co-management.