Acupuncture for TMJ and Jaw Pain

Conditions Treated: Acupuncture for TMJ

​​

​​

Jaw pain, clicking, and teeth grinding are among the most common complaints we see. Life in New York is stressful, and for a lot of people that stress settles in the jaw. We have been treating TMJ disorder at our East Village clinic since 2016.

​

Signs you may have TMJ disorder:

Soreness where the jaw connects to the skull. Radiating pain through the face, jaw, or neck. Discomfort chewing. Limited movement, or the jaw locking. Clicking, popping, or grating when you open or close your mouth. A change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. Left untreated for long enough,

TMJ disorder can make eating, talking, and swallowing uncomfortable.

 

Why it happens:

Much of the pain comes from muscle tension driven by stress. Under pressure you may start clenching or grinding, often without realizing, and sometimes while asleep. That tires the jaw muscles and starts a cycle of spasm, soreness, and more spasm. Other causes include injury to the joint, arthritis, damage to the disc that cushions the joint, or the shape of the joint itself. Sometimes the cause is never entirely clear, which does not prevent the symptoms from being treated.

​

How we treat it:

We look at each patient as an individual to determine their TCM pattern and come up with the most effective treatment. Chinese medicine looks at the emotions behind disorders (anger, sadness, worry). By treating the patient's overall constitution we treat the root as well as the symptom of the TMJ. Most patients are treated with a combination of acupuncture and trigger point work. Trigger point acupuncture targets the specific muscles holding tension and releases them, which is what makes it well suited to jaw pain. Depending on what your practitioner finds during your intake, treatment may also include cupping across the neck and shoulders, electro-acupuncture, or a Chinese herbal formula.

 

What your first visit will be like:

Your acupuncturist begins with an intake, so we understand your symptoms, your stress patterns, and whether the grinding happens at night. Needles are placed in the appropriate acu points, then you rest for roughly thirty minutes. Book a 45-minute session but allow an hour at the clinic. You will leave with a treatment plan and a recommendation for how often to come in, based on your symptoms rather than a fixed schedule. 

​

Acupuncture can be very relaxing and some patients experience a deep sleep during their session and might have a lot of energy after a session while other patients might realize how much they have been holding onto and feel tired after acupuncture. We recommend listening to your body.  If your practitioner has used trigger points to release tight muscles in your jaw or upper traps, you might feel some soreness that can last a day or two. We recommend heat and gentle stretching along with drinking lots of room temperature water post treatment. 

 

What it costs:

Acupuncture is $85, or $75 for students and seniors. Acupuncture Plus, which includes trigger point work, is $105, or $95 for students and seniors. A private treatment room is $115.

Students and seniors with valid ID can book Tuesday to Friday before 2pm.

Our clinic offers package pricing that gives a discount of 10-20%.

 

Which acupuncturists treat TMJ here:

All of our acupuncture practitioners have received a masters or doctorate degree and are licensed in NY State. They all have experience treating TMJ and jaw pain. 

​​

Common Questions:

How many sessions will I need?

This depends partly on how long you have been experiencing the symptoms. Acute pain is usually faster to treat than chronic pain. After your initial session you will be given a treatment plan that indicates how many sessions, and which type of sessions, you should come in for.

 

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture points usually feel a bit pinchy when the needles are inserted. Afterwards you may experience a heavy or achy sensation. Most people find the needle stimulation very mild. Don't worry, it's nothing like getting a needle at the doctor's office. We use tiny, hair-thin needles and a gentle needling technique. Trigger points can feel a bit stronger, and often you feel a little twitch sensation. If you are worried about the needles, please mention it to your practitioner so they can walk you through it. 

​

How soon will I notice a difference?

This varies from person to person and often has to do with what the root cause of the TMJ is. If someone is clenching due to stress, they often notice an improvement after the first session. If there is an anatomical issue with the shape of a patient's jaw that is causing muscles to tighten, it might take a few sessions before you notice improvement. 

 

Do you take insurance?

We are not in network with any insurance companies but we are able to provide a superbill after your session- just ask our reception team after your appointment. 

​

Can I keep seeing my dentist or physical therapist?

Yes, you can definitely keep seeing your physical therapist and it can also be helpful to get a night guard from your dentist to protect your teeth from grinding. 

​

Finding us: 

We are at 155 East 2nd Street in the East Village, a short walk from Union Square, the Lower East Side and Soho. Our closest subway stations are the 2nd avenue F train (exit at 1st avenue), and the JMZ trains at Essex Street/Delancey. We are open seven days a week, with morning

appointments Tuesday through Thursday from 9am.

​

Book a TMJ session. Not sure which to choose? Call us at 212-777-4486 and reception will help.