Chiropractic care is often associated with back pain relief, but its benefits extend well beyond spinal health. Many people find chiropractic treatments helpful for a range of health issues, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, immune support, and even maintaining wellness through flu season. As the weather changes and cold and flu season approaches, it’s a great time to explore how chiropractic care can contribute to both symptom relief and preventative health.

Understanding TMJ and Chiropractic Care

What is TMJ, and Why Does It Cause Pain?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull and is responsible for essential movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorders occur when this joint becomes misaligned or strained, leading to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms like headaches, jaw clicking, and even neck pain. TMJ pain can stem from various factors, including poor posture, stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), or physical trauma.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Alleviate TMJ Pain

Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive approach to managing TMJ symptoms. By focusing on proper alignment and muscle balance, chiropractic adjustments can reduce strain on the TMJ, alleviate pain, and improve jaw function. Treatment for TMJ often involves gentle adjustments to the jaw, neck, and upper spine to help restore alignment and relieve pressure on the joint.

Additional techniques, such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy, may be used to relieve tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw. Chiropractors may also provide lifestyle recommendations, such as exercises to improve jaw mobility and stress management techniques to reduce teeth grinding or clenching, common contributors to TMJ issues.

The Immune-Boosting Potential of Chiropractic Care

How Chiropractic Care Affects the Immune System

The spine and nervous system are closely connected to immune function. When the spine is misaligned, it can interfere with nervous system communication, impacting various bodily processes, including immunity. Chiropractic adjustments work to restore alignment in the spine, which promotes better nerve function and can positively influence the immune system.

Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments can help enhance immune response by reducing stress on the nervous system. A well-functioning nervous system allows the body to more efficiently detect and respond to pathogens, supporting a stronger immune defense. For many, regular chiropractic care serves as a proactive way to maintain immunity and resilience, particularly during cold and flu season.

Chiropractic Care for Flu Season Support

As the weather changes and flu season approaches, our bodies often become more vulnerable to illness. Chiropractic care can be a valuable tool in strengthening the body’s natural defense mechanisms. By addressing spinal misalignments that may interfere with immune function, chiropractic adjustments help the body stay in optimal health. In addition, chiropractic treatments promote improved circulation, enabling immune cells to move efficiently throughout the body and respond to threats.

Walker Road Chiropractic’s Approach to Health

Located in Beaverton, Walker Road Chiropractic is led by Dr. Zane R. Gard, a seasoned chiropractor who integrates chiropractic care with holistic health practices. Patients here benefit from a range of services, including spinal adjustments, myofascial release, and nutritional guidance. Known for their compassionate, patient-centered approach, Walker Road Chiropractic addresses issues from back pain and TMJ disorders to immune support during flu season, with personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Common Chiropractic Techniques for TMJ and Immune Support

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments are the foundation of chiropractic care, focusing on realigning vertebrae to relieve pressure on nerves and support overall body function. For TMJ issues, adjustments may target the cervical spine and jaw area to relieve tension and correct alignment issues. For immune support, spinal adjustments improve nervous system communication, helping the immune system work more efficiently.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a technique used to relieve tension in the connective tissues, particularly helpful for TMJ sufferers. Chiropractors apply gentle pressure to the muscles and soft tissues around the jaw to reduce pain and improve mobility. This technique is often combined with adjustments to achieve lasting relief.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is another approach to alleviate TMJ pain and relieve muscle tension that may be impeding the immune system. By identifying and treating “trigger points” in the body—areas of muscle tension that refer pain elsewhere—chiropractors can address not only the source of pain but also contribute to improved body function.

Nutritional Guidance for Immune Health

In addition to physical adjustments, many chiropractors provide guidance on nutrition and supplements that support immune health. Nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc are well-known for their role in boosting immunity. By incorporating these nutrients, patients can strengthen their body’s resilience to seasonal illnesses.

Preventative Health through Chiropractic Care

Maintaining Wellness Year-Round

Chiropractic care isn’t just for addressing pain—it’s also a powerful tool for maintaining wellness and preventing illness. Regular chiropractic appointments can help keep the body in optimal alignment, reducing the likelihood of developing new pain or discomfort and supporting overall health. As flu season begins, chiropractic care can help prepare the body to face seasonal challenges by promoting a well-functioning nervous and immune system.

Chiropractic and Holistic Wellness

Chiropractic care encourages a holistic approach to health, meaning that the focus isn’t just on eliminating symptoms but also on supporting the body’s ability to heal and thrive naturally. This approach integrates well with other wellness practices, including balanced nutrition, exercise, stress management, and quality sleep. For individuals interested in a proactive approach to health, chiropractic care offers a unique combination of preventative care and natural symptom management.

For those looking to explore these benefits, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of their wellness routine. Whether it’s alleviating jaw pain from TMJ, boosting immunity, or improving respiratory health, chiropractic care helps support the body’s natural functions, promoting better health year-round.