The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a joint that controls the movement of the jaw. In TMJ disorder (“TMD”, or “TMJ” – used interchangeably) is when the joint malfunctions.
In TMD, the TMJ can malfunction due to disc displacement, joint degradation, or improper movement of the jaw. The clicking sound often happens when the disc between the bones in the jaw shifts out of place and snaps back when the jaw moves. Muscle tension, ligament laxity, or cartilage wear can all contribute to the joint sliding improperly or becoming inflamed. If clicking comes with pain, locking, or limited movement, it can signal a more serious joint dysfunction that should get checked out.
Joint displacement can happen because of stress or anxiety resulting in teeth grinding or clenching, misaligned teeth or bite, jaw injury or arthritis. Poor posture, connective tissue diseases, and hormonal imbalances can also contribute by increasing muscle tension or affecting joint function.
It seems odd that hormones could contribute to TMD, and, in fact, they are still trying to figure out the association, but they have found TMD happens more frequently in women than men, and many times correlate to changes in hormones such as in puberty, pregnancy and menopause. The role appears to be multi-faceted – estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol play roles in ligament laxity and inflammation that seem to be the reason for it.
Nutritionally, calcium excess or deficiency, magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, iron, collagen and omega 3 fatty acids all play key roles in the health of the TMJ. Supplying those nutrients by consuming a diet high in nutrient-dense foods and low in inflammatory foods such as sugar, coffee, alcohol and heavily processed foods, could be helpful in restoring ligament and joint integrity.
Acupuncture is also super helpful. It effectively treats TMD by addressing both its root causes and symptoms, like pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. It helps relax the jaw muscles, reducing clenching and grinding, and stimulates endorphin release for natural pain relief. Acupuncture also decreases inflammation, improves circulation, and restores joint mobility, easing stiffness and promoting tissue repair. By balancing the nervous system, it reduces the stress response that often worsens TMD symptoms. Additionally, it relieves headaches and neck tension and helps regulate hormones, supporting joint health when hormonal imbalances contribute to inflammation or joint laxity. Together, these benefits improve overall TMJ function and comfort.
The first step in relieving TMJ symptoms is identifying its root cause. For me, decades ago, stress from a divorce and opening my own practice at the same time, caused my jaw to lock for three months. Once the stress eased, my jaw unlocked. Finding and resolving the underlying cause is crucial for TMJ relief, and we can help.
©2025 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
