Chiropractic Care for TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing movement for talking, chewing, and yawning. TMJ dysfunction occurs when the joint or surrounding muscles are misaligned, inflamed, or tense, causing pain and limited jaw mobility.

Common causes include:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching

• Jaw misalignment or bite issues

• Stress-related muscle tension

• Trauma or injury to the jaw or head

• Poor posture affecting neck and jaw alignment

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw

• Headaches or migraines

• Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus)

• Neck or shoulder tension

• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

• Facial pain or pressure

Left untreated, TMJ issues can worsen over time, contributing to chronic headaches, posture problems, and increased jaw discomfort.

Chiropractic care focuses on realigning the jaw and supporting structures, relieving tension and improving joint function. At Emerson Chiropractic, our approach may include:

• Gentle jaw and cervical adjustments to improve TMJ alignment

• Soft tissue therapy to release tension in jaw, neck, and shoulders

• Postural correction to reduce strain on the jaw and neck

• Jaw exercises and stretching to restore motion and strength

• Lifestyle guidance for stress reduction, sleep, and teeth grinding

By addressing both the joint and the surrounding musculature, chiropractic care can reduce pain and restore natural jaw function.

Patients often notice:

• Reduced jaw and facial pain

• Relief from headaches and migraines

• Decreased clicking, popping, or jaw locking

• Improved range of motion in the jaw

• Better posture and neck alignment

• Reduced stress and muscle tension

​​​​​​​Chiropractic care addresses the root causes of TMJ dysfunction, not just the symptoms, providing lasting relief.