TMJD: Can a Chiropractor Help with Jaw Pain?

Many people, even some of my regular patients, aren't aware that chiropractors can work on the TMJ (jaw). We can, and do!

What Is the TMJ?

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint formed by the articulation of the jaw (mandible) and the skull. It's what makes your mouth able to open and close. The anatomy is called the TMJ. Dysfunction of this joint is called TMJD.

In TMJD, a person experiences some combination of clicking, tightness, soreness, or locking while attempting to open or close their mouth. This can occur during eating, talking, or rest. As people who experience this can attest, jaw dysfunction can be miserable, both due to the pain and the limitations it poses in talking and eating.

More Than Just Jaw Pain

TMJD can contribute to problems well outside of the jaw itself. It can cause chronic headaches, neck pain, anxiety, and hip and pelvic pain. It is even associated with stored emotional trauma. If you've seen LeAnn Rimes' recent viral video of her jaw release session, you've witnessed a vivid example of just how much tension and emotion the jaw can hold.

How Chiropractic Can Help

Problems typically arise due to either tightness in the muscles that control the TMJ, mechanical issues in the joint itself, or both. Chiropractors can a variety of measures to help with TMJD. I use a combination of myofascial release, stretching, and chiropractic manipulation. Manipulations range from manual techniques to very light instrument adjustments. In addition to these standard measures, we also employ modalities such as cold laser therapy and dry needling.

If you've been dealing with jaw pain, clicking, or any of the related symptoms above, contact us to find out if chiropractic care might be a good fit for you.