Acupuncture for TMJ: A Natural Approach to Jaw Pain Relief
Are you dealing with jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, or limited jaw movement? You may be experiencing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, a condition that can make everyday activities like eating, speaking, and even sleeping uncomfortable.
At West End Acupuncture in Portland, Maine, we have seen an increase in patients seeking natural relief from TMJ pain. Acupuncture offers a safe, effective option to help manage TMJ symptoms without relying on medication or invasive procedures.
An Insider Perspective: How Acupuncture Relieved Jaw Pain
This condition is personal to us. It’s the very reason Justine became an acupuncturist. After being told she would need her jaw broken and wired shut to treat an acute locked jaw episode from TMJ disorder, she tried acupuncture instead. After just two treatments, her jaw opened, and with regular maintenance treatments, she has remained pain-free for over 20 years.
How Acupuncture Helps TMJ Pain
TMJ symptoms can include:
Jaw pain and tension
Clicking or popping sounds when chewing or speaking
Limited jaw movement or locked jaw
Headaches, neck pain, or ear discomfort related to jaw tension
These symptoms often stem from muscle tension, stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), or joint dysfunction.
Acupuncture can help by:
Relieving jaw pain by promoting your body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms
Improving jaw mobility by reducing stiffness and increasing range of motion
Relaxing jaw muscles, including the masseter, which often holds tension
Our TMJ Treatment Approach
At West End Acupuncture, we customize your treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals. Our approach may include:
Acupuncture points on the jaw, face, and body to reduce pain and tension
Distal points to support whole-body balance and pain relief
Electroacupuncture (gentle electrical stimulation) when appropriate
Complementary therapies like facial gua sha, cupping, and massage to enhance results
What to Expect
Most patients experience improvement within several sessions, though individual results vary. Treatments are gentle, relaxing, and typically well-tolerated, with very few side effects.
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
If you’re struggling with TMJ pain or jaw dysfunction, and other treatments have not provided lasting relief, acupuncture may be a great next step. It is a natural, minimally invasive option that has helped many people manage TMJ symptoms effectively.
Ready to explore acupuncture for TMJ relief? Schedule your appointment online, email us, or give us a call to get started.