Question

Hey!
My neck hurts a lot. I'm 29. I have to crack it about gosh - 30 times a day. My jaw has TMJ on one side. I'm on anxiety meds - the doctor thought it was related to anxiety. Could it also be my allergies? Is yoga going to seriously help this? What can I do for relief?

Answer
Hi Kristin,

Neck popping is normal and won't cause problems. If there is pain when popping "cavitation" occurs then it needs to be evaluated by a Chiropractor. The TMJ alone should be evaluated and treated by a DC, these respond nicely to manual manipulation. It is not your allergies and Yoga is good (great actually) for the spine, I can't see it helping the TMJ though. The anxiety can and probably is aggravating the TMJ, grinding your teeth at night (Buxism) is a primary cause of TMJ and a mouth guard can help speed correction. Try seeing a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) and get hands on evaluation and treatment.


Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin