Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Overview
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joints, which connect the jawbone to the skull. These joints are essential for everyday activities like talking, chewing, and yawning. TMJ disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw and surrounding areas, significantly impacting quality of life.
Causes & Risk Factors
- Jaw Misalignment: Irregular alignment of the teeth or jaw.
- Stress or Bruxism: Teeth grinding or clenching can strain the jaw muscles and joints.
- Arthritis: Degeneration of the TMJ due to osteoarthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
- Trauma: Direct injury to the jaw or head.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions affecting joint elasticity and movement.
Symptoms
- Jaw Pain: Aching or discomfort in the jaw, especially when chewing or speaking.
- Headaches: Frequent headaches, often described as tension-type or radiating from the temples.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
- Locking of the Jaw: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
- Facial Pain: Tenderness or pain in the face, neck, or shoulders.
- Ear Pain or Fullness: Sensations similar to an earache without an actual ear infection
Treatments
At Kentucky Pain Institute & Spurlock Chiropractic Centre, we offer effective, non-invasive treatments to address TMJ disorders:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Realigns the jaw and cervical spine to reduce stress on the TMJ and improve function.
- Dry Needling: Releases tension in the muscles around the jaw, neck, and shoulders, providing pain relief and improving range of motion.
- Interventional Pain Management: Includes targeted injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate chronic TMJ pain.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthens jaw muscles, improves joint mobility, and promotes relaxation of overused muscles.
- Posture Correction and Stress Management: Education on maintaining proper posture and managing stress to prevent clenching or grinding.
Our team provides personalized care tailored to each patient's unique symptoms and underlying causes, helping to restore comfort and improve quality of life.
Manage Chronic Condition Pain Disorders
We have developed an outstanding reputation for our ability to accurately diagnose and appropriately treat your pain.
Book an Appointment
If you have been experiencing pain that is interrupting your day to day quality of life, we welcome you.
Recent News
Diagnostics & Treatment
You may already have a general idea of what is wrong. Some of our patients have been told by their primary physician or spine surgeon that they have arthritis, spinal stenosis, a bulging disc, a herniated disc, or degenerative disc disease. The providers at Kentucky Pain Institute and Spurlock Chiropractic Centre have developed an outstanding reputation for their ability to accurately diagnose and appropriately treat your pain. We are devoted to taking the time to explain your condition to you, in terms you can understand. In fact, one of the more frequent comments we get from patients is praise for helping them understand their condition better than anyone else.
What our Patients are saying
We pledge our professional commitment to a responsible and conservative approach to managing your pain. Our foremost objective is to restore and maintain our patients optimal health and quality of life.
“My experience with this facility has been wonderful over all. You are caring and compassionate people who listen and understand. You have made me feel like part of their family. Thank you so much for all you have done for me.”
“My experience with this facility has been wonderful over all. You are caring and compassionate people who listen and understand. You have made me feel like part of their family. Thank you so much for all you have done for me.”
“My experience with this facility has been wonderful over all. You are caring and compassionate people who listen and understand. You have made me feel like part of their family. Thank you so much for all you have done for me.”
“My experience with this facility has been wonderful over all. You are caring and compassionate people who listen and understand. You have made me feel like part of their family. Thank you so much for all you have done for me.”
Frequent Questions
Comprehensive Care for a Variety of Conditions—See If We Can Help You
We specialize in treating a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, TMJ disorders, joint pain, sports injuries, pregnancy-related discomfort, and pediatric concerns such as colic and TOTS. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care for all ages.
Expert diagnosis is at the heart of what we do. If treatment requires additional expertise, we ensure fast and reliable referrals through our strong community partnerships.
Explore How We Can Help: Our Services
We provide a multidisciplinary approach to care, combining chiropractic services (spinal adjustments, non-surgical spinal decompression, spinal bracing, dry needling, and rehabilitative exercises) along with interventional pain management treatments (targeted steroid injections). Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and non-invasive options to help patients achieve lasting relief.
Our practice also focuses on wellness and prevention, offering diverse options to keep your body performing at its best.
First visit Overview
During your first visit, we take the time to understand your concerns thoroughly. Our process includes obtaining a detailed health history, a comprehensive orthopedic and neurological exam, and diagnostic imaging such as X-rays. Advanced imaging such as MRI or CT will be ordered if needed. Once we identify the source of your pain, we will explain your condition in detail and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Preparation Tips
- Bring Your Medical Records: Your first visit typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition. Please bring any imaging you may have already had.
- Online Forms: We offer online forms that you can complete before your appointment to save time during your visit. These can be accessed through our website under the “Patients” tab.
- Where are We Located? Our office is conveniently located at: 247 Beacon Hill Road Morehead, KY 40351
Being prepared can help ensure that your appointment is productive and focused on your needs.
Bringing Experts Together: How a Multidisciplinary Approach Works
Our multidisciplinary approach combines chiropractic care, interventional pain management, rehabilitative exercises, spinal decompression therapy, spinal bracing, IV hydration infusions, and more to address pain and promote overall wellness. This integrated care model helps achieve lasting results.
With a unified approach from providers across different specialties, we’re committed to serving Eastern Kentucky with personalized, well-rounded care that leads to better outcomes.
Accepted Insurance Plans
We accept most major insurance plans. If you have questions about your specific coverage, our staff is happy to verify your benefits before your visit.
What if I don't Have Insurance?
For patients without insurance or with high deductibles, we also offer a cash discount program through ChiroHealthUSA to make care more accessible and affordable
Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives exceptional care and personalized solutions, regardless of their insurance situation.
Our guide to referrals: Simple steps for your care.
In most cases, a referral is not required to visit our office. However, some insurance plans or specific treatments may require a referral. Feel free to call us, and we can assist you in determining if one is needed.
Insurances That DO Require a Referral:
- Medicare and ALL Medicare Replacement Programs
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care restores proper spinal alignment and improves biomechanical function, relieving pressure on nerves and reducing pain caused by conditions such as disc herniations, joint restrictions, and posture-related issues.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe and highly beneficial during pregnancy. Techniques like the Webster Technique can help alleviate back pain, improve pelvic alignment, and support a smoother delivery. With over 11 years of experience of treating pregnancy cases, our providers are well equipped to help you achieve the best possible birth outcomes.
Can Children Benefit From Chiropractic Care?
Absolutely! Pediatric chiropractic care can help with colic, ear infections, TOTS, constipation, and overall musculoskeletal development. Gentle adjustments promote proper alignment and improved nervous system function.
Our providers are highly trained and experienced in delivering specialized chiropractic care tailored to pediatric conditions, ensuring your child receives the safest and most effective treatment.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression therapy
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on spinal discs. It is highly effective for conditions like bulged/herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica.
Key Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy:
- Relieves Chronic Pain: Effectively alleviates back, neck, and radiating nerve pain caused by bulged/herniated discs, sciatica, or degenerative disc conditions.
- Promotes Healing: Enhances blood flow and nutrient exchange to damaged spinal discs, supporting natural recovery and long-term relief.
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Provides a safe, gentle, and drug-free alternative to surgery for spinal issues.
Discover if spinal decompression therapy is right for you—schedule your consultation today.
IV Vitamin Hydration Therapy
IV hydration delivers essential vitamins and nutrients directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for faster and more effective absorption. It’s ideal for boosting immunity, improving energy, and relieving migraines, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain.
Key Benefits of IV Hydration Therapy:
- Rapid Rehydration: Quickly replenishes fluids, electrolytes, and essential nutrients for immediate revitalization.
- Enhanced Wellness: Boosts energy levels, supports immune function, and aids in recovery from illness or fatigue.
- Customizable Solutions: Tailored treatments designed to address specific health needs and goals.
Discover how IV hydration therapy can enhance your energy, recovery, and overall health with personalized treatment options.
Dry Needling Treatment
Dry needling uses thin needles to target trigger points in muscles, relieving tension, reducing pain, and improving mobility. It’s often used to treat conditions like muscle tightness, sports injuries, and tension headaches.
How is Dry Needling Different from Acupuncture?
Dry needling focuses on relieving muscle tension and pain by targeting trigger points, based on modern Western medicine. Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, aims to balance energy flow by stimulating specific points along the body. While both involve the use of thin needles, they differ in purpose and methodology.