Articles

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can present in adults and children with a variety of symptoms, affecting not only the jaw but also related structures like the head, neck, and ears. It may sometimes be subtle or mistaken for other conditions. If TMJ dysfunction is suspected, early evaluation is essential for appropriate evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and to prevent long term or future compensations and complications.

Chiropractic cranial adjusting is the art and science of restoring normal function to the cranial/dural-meningeal mechanism and the movement of cerebrospinal fluid. Since 80% of the central nervous system is located in the brain, correcting cranial imbalances are paramount to a total health care approach.

Concussions have recently gained widespread attention, especially in sports, due to their potentially severe, long-term effects on cognitive, emotional, and physical health. However, while the diagnosis of concussions is becoming more accurate, the standard medical treatment often remains limited to rest and monitoring. This approach may help prevent further concussions but often overlooks the underlying damage that can persist and contribute to long-lasting symptoms, known as post-concussion syndrome.

In the early stages of life, a child’s brain and body are undergoing rapid development. During this time, even subtle imbalances or distortions in the structure of the skull and face can have significant effects on a child’s growth, neurological function, and overall health. Cranial-facial distortions, while often dismissed as “common” in infants and young children, are not necessarily “normal” and can have lasting impacts if left unaddressed.

Infant developmental milestones are monitors of how the child’s nervous system is developing and adapting to its environment. During the first two years of life 80—90% of the groundwork for the developing nervous system is being laid down. Synaptic development is advancing at an unprecedented rate (peak development is at 8 months) and is driven by external and internal stimulation.

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a congenital condition where a short, thick, or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, limiting its range of motion. This can make it difficult for a child to move their tongue freely, which can affect activities like eating, speaking, swallowing, and breastfeeding. It can also impact the proper growth and development of the palate, jaw function, and even the overall shape of the face.

Chiropractic cranial adjusting℠ procedures are a specialized approach to chiropractic care that focus on the alignment and movement of the bones of the skull (cranium), the tension in the dura meningeal system, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, and their impact on the nervous system. This technique is critical in addressing a range of health issues, from headaches and migraines to learning disorders, developmental delays, and trauma recovery.