TMJ Treatment Clinic in Bloomington, IL

Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly called TMJ or TMD, is a chronic disorder that results from misalignment of your lower jaw and can cause pain and discomfort in the face, neck, and head, as well as difficulty sleeping. While TMJ can be caused by many different things, including macro- and micro-trauma to the head and neck, many people who suffer from TMJ may not even know they have it. Often, patients with undiagnosed TMJ can be dismissive of their pain, blaming it on a stressful day or being generally too busy and unrelaxed. However, because of the interrelated nature of your body’s muscular system, pain that may seem disconnected from your jaw, such as that which emanates from behind your eyes, or tension and sinus headaches, is sometimes a direct effect of the misalignment of your mandibular joint.

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for being a happy and functional person during the day. For patients with TMJ, sleep can be elusive as they toss and turn trying to find relief from pain. Instead of reaching for an over-the-counter pain reliever or sleep aid, the professional staff at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders can offer treatment options for patients seeking relief from TMJ without the need for invasive surgical procedures or prescription medication. We are proud to provide each of our patients with comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for TMJ.

Treatment for TMJ is a simple but effective process. Your care provider will use a TENS machine to massage and relax the muscles of your jaw, neck, and shoulders. This electrical current is totally painless and relieves stiffness and improves mobility. Use of a TENS unit can also help relieve pain and increase blood flow to the specific muscle groups. The professional staff at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders has experience in using TENS units to help retrain your jaw muscles to rest in a more natural position. This process is aided through the use of a custom neuromuscular orthodontic device that will help maintain your corrected bite position while you sleep, reducing pain and tension, as well as allowing you to achieve deeper, better quality rest.

If you are struggling with chronic jaw pain, unexplained headaches, facial tension, or a clicking sound when you chew, you are likely suffering from a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder. This frustrating condition typically stems from an underlying bite misalignment, nighttime teeth grinding, or stress, which places continuous, painful strain on your jaw joints and facial muscles. Left untreated, TMJ disorders can severely disrupt your daily life and make restful sleep nearly impossible.

Fortunately, finding effective, non-surgical relief is within reach. When you visit our TMJ treatment clinic in Bloomington, IL, you receive a comprehensive, neuromuscular approach customized to your specific needs. Our team at Koala Center for Sleep Disorders utilizes advanced therapies to gently relax your facial muscles alongside custom-fitted oral appliance therapy. These comfortable nighttime devices gently reposition your jaw into its natural, harmonious resting position. By actively addressing the root cause of your bite misalignment, we help relieve muscle tension so you can finally live pain-free.