TMJ and Jaw Pain Treatment in Mooresville, NC
TMJ pain is one of the more overlooked musculoskeletal problems in primary care, partly because it sits at the intersection of dentistry and medicine and partly because people often do not connect their jaw clicking, facial pain, ear fullness, and chronic headaches to the same source. The temporomandibular joint, where the lower jaw connects to the skull just in front of the ear, is a complex joint that does a lot of work, and when it is not moving correctly, the effects spread into the surrounding structures in ways that can be confusing to sort out.
The source of the pain
TMJ problems fall into two main categories. Joint problems, where the disc inside the TMJ is displaced or the joint itself is inflamed or arthritic, and muscle problems, where the muscles of the jaw and face are overworked and in spasm. Most people with TMJ pain have both, because a joint problem creates muscle guarding, and chronic muscle tension increases the load on the joint. Bruxism, the grinding and clenching of teeth, often runs alongside TMJ problems and drives significant muscle tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles. The cervical spine connection is important: the muscles of the jaw and the muscles of the upper neck share neural pathways, and restriction in the upper cervical spine frequently contributes to TMJ pain and headaches in a way that is missed when only the jaw is treated.
Treatment
Chiropractic care. We address both the TMJ and the upper cervical spine. The jaw can be adjusted gently to restore normal joint movement and disc position. Adjusting the upper cervical joints reduces the neural tension that feeds into jaw muscle hyperactivity and headaches. Many patients with TMJ pain and chronic headaches find that addressing the neck is as important as addressing the jaw itself.
Dry needling. The masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles are among the most trigger-point-laden muscles in the body in people with chronic TMJ problems. Dry needling these muscles directly releases the tension that is driving jaw pain, facial pain, and the referred headaches that come with TMJ dysfunction.
Acupuncture. Acupuncture addresses the inflammatory component of TMJ problems and the nervous system tension that drives bruxism and jaw clenching. For patients whose TMJ symptoms are significantly stress-related, acupuncture works on both the local jaw muscles and the systemic stress response that is keeping them tight. We offer a significant discount when you combine services.
Common questions
Should I see a dentist or a chiropractor for TMJ?
Both have a role. Dentists address the bite and can provide night guards for bruxism. We address the joint mechanics, the cervical spine connection, and the muscle tension. For most TMJ cases, both are worth doing.
Can TMJ cause ear symptoms?
Yes. The TMJ sits immediately in front of the ear canal, and inflammation or dysfunction in the joint can produce ear fullness, tinnitus, and a sensation of blocked ears that is not actually an ear problem.
Is clicking in the jaw a problem?
Not always. Clicking without pain is common and does not always require treatment. Clicking with pain, locking, or limited opening is worth assessing because it usually indicates disc displacement that can be addressed with treatment.
Related conditions: Headaches and migraines | Neck pain
Serving Mooresville and the Lake Norman area, including Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Troutman, and Statesville.
Services involved in this care plan
Schedule an appointment or call 704-663-2010.
