Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJ disorders) are a very common problem that we see in our office. Patients will often complain of jaw pain and soreness of the jaw joint due to teeth clenching. Many patients are not even aware they are clenching their teeth at night but wake up with pain and tightness in the jaw.

Acupuncture has been shown to be a highly effective method for reducing pain as well as restoring effective joint function. Acupuncture is painless and works to help relax the muscles surrounding the joints, as well as treat the underlying stress that often accompanies these overworked muscles.

One of the great benefits of acupuncture is that it can be used on its own or in conjunction with western methods of treatment/management. A complementary approach is often the best choice for optimizing pain control as well as addressing many other aspects of the condition. At our office, we have found that combining facial cupping around the joint is highly effective when combined with acupuncture.