What is wrong with my popping jaw?!
Question:
What is wrong with my popping jaw?
This has been going on for a while and it is driving me insane. Whenever I eat food or chew gum my jaw pops and rocks so loud people sitting next to me can hear it. It doesn't hurt, but it doesn't feel amazing either.
My orthodontist "diagnosed" me with TMJ back about a year ago, and I haven't been to see him for a while since I got my braces off. Ever since they took my braces off my jaw has had this popping issue whenever I eat or chew anything.
Wussss going on??
Answers:
Hi Chris. Unfortunately, it is very common for dental 'braces' to lead to TMJ dysfunction. The jaw 'pops' when the intra-articular disc in the jaw does not move 'in sync' with the jaw bone as your mouth opens and closes. Usually this is a result of a triggerpoint or muscle spasm in the Lateral Pterygoid muscle that controls the movement of the disc.
Your family Chiropractor can often effectively treat this. If your Chiropractor does not treat TMJ problems, he/she should be able to refer you to a doctor that does.
Best wishes and good luck.