TMJ and Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull just in front of the ear. TMJ dysfunction produces pain in the jaw, clicking or popping with mouth opening, difficulty chewing, and headaches. It is closely connected to the upper cervical spine, and addressing the neck is often as important as addressing the jaw itself.
The neck-jaw connection
The muscles that control jaw movement share nerve supply and mechanical relationships with the muscles of the upper cervical spine. Restriction in the upper neck changes how the jaw moves. Jaw tension, often from clenching or grinding, creates upper neck tension in return. People who wear night guards for grinding frequently still have jaw pain because the grinding is a symptom of a system under tension, not just a habit the guard can stop.
How we treat it
Chiropractic adjustment.
We address the upper cervical spine first, since restriction there is almost always contributing. We also work directly on the TMJ when appropriate, using gentle intraoral technique to release the joint itself.
Dry needling.
The masseter, pterygoids, and temporalis muscles carry the tension of clenching and grinding. Dry needling releases the trigger points that have built up in them and produces rapid reduction in jaw pain and headache. Read more about dry needling.
Acupuncture.
Reduces the systemic tension that drives clenching, calms the nervous system response, and addresses the headache component. Read more about acupuncture.
Common questions
My dentist said I need a night guard. Will that fix it?
A night guard protects your teeth from grinding damage but does not address the tension that causes the grinding. Most people who use one continue to clench. Treating the underlying muscle tension and neck restriction addresses the source.
My jaw clicks but does not hurt. Do I need treatment?
Clicking without pain does not always require treatment. If it is getting louder, catching, or starting to limit how wide you can open, it is worth having it evaluated.
Schedule an appointment or call 704-663-2010.
