I have been encountering TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint disease) symptoms for quite some time without knowing what the problem was. Aside from the constant facial pain, headaches, and popping noises that were bothering me, it was the ringing in my ears that was really pushing me over the edge.

I am recommending Dr. McCowin and her staff at Great Life Chiropractic. Then I came across Dr. McCowin’s website.

What really caught my attention at first hand was Dr. McCowin’s willingness in answering questions online. Most of the doctors I know only offer their help if you are sitting in their office. The fact that she gave so much of herself and her knowledge before she ever met me in person made me realize she truly cares about people.

When we met in person at my first appointment, Dr.McCowin agreed that it looked like we were dealing with TMJ. She provided me a detailed explanation about the condition and I learned that the painful condition is affecting the area where the lower jaw connects to the sides of the skull. It can negatively affect the function and sensation in the face and jaw and can spread to the ears, neck , and shoulders.

Dr McCowin educated me of studies showing that approximately 35% of Americans have some form of TMJ. At this point, I was in quite a bit of pain. Aside from the TMJ problems, I once had two car wrecks and an old sports injury, which had resulted to a compression fracturing the T12 in my back. Two neurosurgeons made me undergo through cortisone injections and physical therapy but did not end successfully then suggested surgery. However, I am actually avoiding surgery on all possible costs.

Dr. McCowin’s x-ray results revealed that I had no spacing between the vertebrae when we started the Pettibon system treatments. Then followed with a new set of x-ray results showed a small space had developed between vertebrae, which are signs that we are on the right track. For six months of continued Pettibon treatments, I was nearly pain-free.

As for my TMJ problems, Dr.McCowin provided adjustments to my upper neck and jaw. She recommended pain-relieving exercises that helped relieve my stress level and relax my jaw muscles.

Dr. Candice McCowin gives her services at Great Life Chiropractic in Costa Mesa, California. Using the Pettibon System of chiropractic care in Costa Mesa is her skill.