Can a Chiropractor Help With TMJ?

About 12% of Americans experience TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain. The condition causes pain and discomfort centralized in the jaw and can lead to further issues such as chronic headaches. A chiropractor will help ease the pain and other symptoms and treat the underlying problem. Traditionally, the condition is a dentist’s worry, but chiropractic treatment is also highly successful.

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint—the joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull, just in front of your ears. This joint acts like a sliding hinge, allowing you to talk, chew, yawn, and swallow. When people say they “have TMJ”, they’re usually referring to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), a condition where the joint, surrounding muscles, or movement patterns aren’t working optimally. This can lead to symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or popping, facial tension, headaches, ear discomfort, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

TMJ issues are often influenced by factors such as:

• Muscle tension
• Teeth grinding
• Stress
• Posture
• Alignment of the jaw and neck

Common Symptoms Treated

TMJ dysfunction can affect far more than just your jaw. Because the temporomandibular joint works closely with the muscles of the face, neck, and nervous system, irritation or imbalance in this area often shows up as pain, tension, or movement limitations elsewhere.

At Vida, we commonly see patients experience a combination of the following symptoms when TMJ function is not optimal:

• Jaw pain, clicking, popping, or a sensation of the jaw catching or locking
• Tension-type headaches, facial tension, and ear discomfort
• Pain or restriction when chewing, yawning, or fully opening the mouth
• Associated neck pain, stiffness, and upper-spine tension

How Chiropractic Treatments Help TMJ

The main focus of chiropractic treatment for TMJ is to alleviate pain and improve function in the jaw and surrounding muscles. This is done by using a combination of techniques such as manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercises to help realign the jaw, reduce muscle tension, and improve flexibility. Chiropractors may also focus on the cervical spine as well as the upper back and shoulders, as these areas are closely related to jaw function and can affect it. By addressing any misalignments or restrictions in these areas, chiropractors can help reduce tension and improve mobility in the jaw.

Identifying TMJ Pain

TMJ pain or TDM (temporomandibular disorder) describes problems affecting the area connecting the jaw and skull. Jaw pain/soreness is the primary symptom, but the condition has other signs, including swelling, headache, ear pain, jaw stiffness, dizziness, and tinnitus.

TDM patients may experience pain when chewing and biting. Other symptoms include a clicking or popping sound when opening/closing the mouth and sensitive teeth. A chiropractor can massage and align the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and joints, instantly relieving TMJ pain.

Performing Chiropractic Adjustments

A chiropractic adjustment includes manual adjustments and soft tissue therapy. The adjustment ensures every part is in a natural position, eliminating the stress caused by misalignments. The soft tissue manipulation provides pain relief and speeds up healing.

Adjustments from a chiropractor can resolve TMJ pain stemming from poor jaw alignment, stress, grinding teeth (bruxism), and jaw injury. The sessions will also relieve neck pain, tension, headaches, and cavitations (cracking and popping sounds).

Joint Mobilization: 

Gentle techniques are used to mobilize the jaw joint, enhancing its range of motion and reducing stiffness.

Soft Tissue Therapy

A chiropractor can work on the soft tissues around the jaw to restore normal functioning and release any trapped nerves and signals. The adjustments will rectify misaligned jaws and relieve tension in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles.

A chiropractor’s specialty is soft tissue injuries stemming from trauma, repetitive stress, and other causes. Most chiropractors specialize in treating such issues and can help repair the damage, speed up healing, and relieve TMJ pain.

Corrective Exercises: 

Chiropractors will often provide exercises to help manage pain and improve jaw function. 

Easing Stress and Tension

Some cases of TMJ pain result from excess physical and mental strain. Stressed nerves and tense muscles can benefit from adjustments and massage therapy performed by a qualified chiropractor. The treatment targets all muscles and nerves around the jaw, facial area, neck, shoulders, and back.

Chiropractors can release trapped nerves, relieve muscle tension, and address neck and spine dysfunction. The treatment also prevents swelling and promotes blood circulation to the jaw muscles. After completing a full treatment plan, pain and pressure around the jaw and neck area should be gone.

Addressing Root Causes and Treating Underlying Conditions

TMJ pain stems from many factors. A chiropractor will complete a diagnosis to find the root cause of the pain and determine if their services are sufficient. Some conditions require a combined approach involving acupuncture, adjustments, functional medicine, and lifestyle changes.

A chiropractor’s services can speed the healing process if the underlying problem is jaw or muscle injury. Acupuncture will also reduce swelling, improve movement and boost oxygen and nutrient supply. By treating the root cause, the pain and other symptoms will disappear.

What to Expect During Your Appointment: 

1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Your Chiropractor will assess your jaw function and pinpoint the root cause.
2. Treatment Plan: Your Chiropractor will then create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
3. Integrated Care: When needed, our Chiropractors can refer you to other services in our clinic to better support your healing.

Integrated Healthcare for TMJ Pain

A chiropractor can resolve TMJ pain, but each condition is different. TDM patients need an integrated team with chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and functional medicine physicians.

At Vida Integrated Health, all these specialists come together under one roof to discuss, review and determine the best remedy. Our goal is to work with the patient to help them heal and recover from TMJ pain and other health issues.

Interested in meeting with a Vida Chiropractor? Request an appointment with our team!