If you’ve ever experienced persistent jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing, you may be dealing with TMJ disorder—short for temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition affects the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, and it can lead to chronic discomfort, headaches, and even neck and shoulder tension. While many people turn to medication or dental appliances for relief, one often overlooked but highly effective treatment option is chiropractic care. TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) affects an estimated 5–12% of the population, making it one of the most common causes of jaw and facial pain (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research). It has been asserted in studies that approximately 85-90% of individuals will develop some related TMJ symptom in their lifetime.[1] Being one of the most articulate and complicated joints in the body, it is also one of the most used joints on a daily basis. It is important to attack any symptoms early, to avoid chronic pains in the future. Even if pain is not necessarily a symptom, it is good to have an evaluation of the gait of the jaw joints to see if TMJ disorder can be prevented in the future.
Understanding TMJ Pain
The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge, allowing your jaw to open, close, and move side to side. TMJ disorders can arise from a variety of causes, including:
- Misalignment of the jaw or spine
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Injury or trauma
- Arthritis
- Stress-related muscle tension
Symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and may include jaw locking, earaches, facial pain, and popping or clicking sounds when moving the jaw. Headaches can be caused by dysfunction of the TMJ, which have overlapping symptoms to tension headaches. A TMJ evaluation should be considered if you are being treated for these types of headaches, and have not had a positive response to treatment.[2][3][4]
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine and its connection to the nervous system. Because the jaw is closely linked to the alignment of the head, neck, and spine, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to address TMJ pain through non-invasive, holistic techniques.
Here’s how chiropractic care can help:
1. Jaw and Spinal Alignment
Misalignments in the jaw or cervical spine (neck) can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Chiropractors can perform gentle adjustments to restore proper alignment, helping to relieve pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles.
2. Muscle Tension Relief
Many people with TMJ disorders suffer from muscle tightness in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. Chiropractors use techniques like trigger point therapy, massage, and stretching exercises to release tension and improve mobility.
3. Improved Nervous System Function
When the spine is misaligned, it can interfere with nerve signals that affect the jaw and facial muscles. Chiropractic adjustments help optimize nerve function, which may reduce inflammation and improve overall joint health.
4. Reduced Headaches and Related Symptoms
TMJ disorders are commonly associated with tension headaches, migraines, and ear pain. By addressing the root cause—often muscle imbalance or spinal misalignment—chiropractic care can significantly reduce these secondary symptoms.
5. Drug-Free, Non-Invasive Approach
Chiropractic treatment offers a natural alternative to pain medications or invasive procedures. It focuses on restoring balance and function, rather than simply masking symptoms.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Salt and Spine Chiropractic, our chiropractors will begin by assessing your posture, range of motion, and jaw function. They will perform a physical exam to identify areas of tension or misalignment. Treatment typically involves:
- Adjustments to the jaw, neck, or spine
- Soft tissue therapy
- Dry needling
- Shockwave therapy
- Electric Stimulation therapy
- Postural exercises and home care recommendations
- Stress management strategies
Consistency is key—many patients experience gradual improvement over several sessions, with long-term relief possible through ongoing maintenance care. Everyone has a different treatment plan based on the status of their condition, making us unique in the field!
At Salt and Spine Chiropractic, your personalized care plan for TMJ pain may include all of the techniques listed above. We are proud to offer more resources than many chiropractic offices that can provide additional relief including our dry needling and Shockwave therapies. We combine modern chiropractic techniques with a warm, personalized approach to care. Whether your TMJ pain is new or something you’ve dealt with for years, we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and live without constant discomfort.
Final Thoughts
TMJ pain can be frustrating and disruptive, but you don’t have to live with it. Chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, and natural solution for managing TMJ disorders by addressing the underlying causes of dysfunction. Whether you’ve recently started noticing symptoms or have been struggling for years, consulting a chiropractor could be a step toward lasting relief. Ask one of our providers how chiropractic care can help you with your jaw pain!
[1] Solberg WK. Epidemiological findings of importance to management of temporomandibular disorders. In: Clark GT, Solberg WK, eds. Perspectives in Temporomandibular Disorders. Chicago: Quintessence; 1987:27–41.
[2] Graff-Radford SB. Temporomandibular disorders and headache. Dent Clin North Am. 2007;51(1): 129–144, vi–vii.
[3] Svensson P. Muscle pain in the head: overlap between temporomandibular disorders and tension-type headaches. Curr Opin Neurol. 2007;20(3):320– 325.
[4] Lupoli TA, Lockey RF. Temporomandibular dysfunction: an often overlooked cause of chronic headaches. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2007;99(4):314–318.
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