How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve TMJ Pain
If you’ve ever dealt with jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or tension headaches, you may have experienced temporomandibular joint disorder — commonly called TMJ or TMD. This small joint, located just in front of the ear, plays a big role in chewing, talking, and even breathing. When it isn’t working properly, it can cause pain and discomfort that interfere with daily life.
Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractic care can be a natural and effective way to address TMJ problems. By focusing on the alignment of the jaw, neck, and posture, chiropractors help relieve pain and restore proper function.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can happen when this joint becomes irritated or strained. Common causes include:
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Teeth clenching or grinding (often due to stress)
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Poor posture, especially forward head posture
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Jaw misalignment or injury
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Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often include:
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Jaw pain or tenderness
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Clicking or popping when opening the mouth
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Difficulty chewing
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Headaches or earaches
- Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
How Posture and the Neck Affect the Jaw
It may not seem obvious, but posture plays a huge role in jaw health. When the head is positioned forward — something we often see from desk work, phone use, or stress — the muscles of the neck and jaw work harder to keep the head balanced. This creates tension that can pull on the jaw joint, making TMJ symptoms worse.
By improving alignment in the neck and upper spine, chiropractors help reduce this extra strain and restore balance to the muscles that support the jaw.
How Chiropractic Care Helps TMJ
Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and focused on restoring proper motion to the joints. For TMJ patients, care may include:
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Neck and upper spine adjustments to improve posture and reduce tension.
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Gentle jaw adjustments to improve mobility and reduce pain.
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Soft tissue techniques to relax tight muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
This holistic approach helps relieve pain while also addressing the underlying cause of TMJ problems, rather than just masking the symptoms.
Acupuncture for TMJ Relief
In addition to chiropractic care, acupuncture can be a powerful tool for TMJ patients. By targeting specific points in the body, acupuncture helps reduce muscle tension, decrease inflammation, and calm the stress response that often leads to jaw clenching. Many patients notice less tightness and improved comfort after just a few sessions.
When to Seek Care
You don’t have to live with chronic jaw pain. If you notice:
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Ongoing jaw pain or stiffness
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Clicking or popping that interferes with eating
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Headaches or neck pain along with jaw discomfort
…it may be time to consider chiropractic care.
Natural Relief Is Possible
TMJ pain can feel frustrating, but you have options beyond pain medication. Chiropractic care — often combined with acupuncture — offers a safe, natural approach to finding relief.
If you’re in Kansas City (Gladstone, Liberty, Parkville, Tiffany Springs or other Kansas City locations!) and struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or posture-related tension, I’d love to help.
Click here to schedule your TMJ appointment today. https://vitalitechiropractic.janeapp.com
Kelli Westhues
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