TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, dysfunction can cause jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort that interferes with something as basic as eating or talking comfortably. Because the jaw joint sits so close to the neck and is influenced by many of the same muscles, TMJ issues rarely exist in complete isolation from what’s happening in the cervical spine. Align Chiropractic & Massage helps patients find relief through a whole-body approach that considers the neck and jaw together rather than treating the jaw as an isolated joint.
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Common Symptoms
How Align Evaluates TMJ
We assess jaw movement and alignment alongside neck posture and muscle tension, since TMJ issues are frequently connected to tension and misalignment in the cervical spine. Watching how the jaw moves through opening, closing, and side-to-side motion, combined with an assessment of the neck, helps us understand how much of your discomfort is coming from each area. That combined view guides a more complete plan than addressing the jaw alone.
Our Approach to Care
Care may include gentle chiropractic adjustments to the neck, massage therapy to release tension in the jaw and surrounding neck muscles, and Class IV laser therapy to help with pain and inflammation around the joint. Because the jaw and neck influence each other so directly, addressing both areas together tends to produce more noticeable relief than treating the jaw in isolation. We adjust the plan based on how your symptoms respond over your first several visits.
Every Type of Care, Under One Roof
From chiropractic adjustments to laser therapy, massage, and corrective exercise, our team coordinates your entire care plan in one place instead of sending you elsewhere for each piece.
Relevant Services
Medical Massage Therapy
Class IV Laser Therapy
Living With TMJ
Being mindful of habits like jaw clenching, gum chewing, or resting your chin in your hand can reduce ongoing strain on the joint between visits. Softer foods during a flare-up and gentle jaw stretches, when comfortable, can also help manage symptoms day to day. Jaw pain accompanied by significant swelling, an inability to open or close the mouth, or pain following a direct injury to the jaw should be evaluated promptly rather than managed at home. For the more common, gradually developing TMJ discomfort, addressing both the jaw and neck together tends to offer the most complete relief.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor really help with jaw pain?
Yes. TMJ dysfunction is often related to tension and alignment issues in the neck, which chiropractic care and massage therapy can help address directly. Many patients are surprised at how connected jaw comfort is to neck health.
How many visits does it typically take to feel relief from TMJ symptoms?
This varies quite a bit by patient, depending on how long the symptoms have been present and their underlying cause. Dr. Bone will discuss a personalized timeline with you once your evaluation is complete.
Can stress make TMJ symptoms worse?
Yes, stress often shows up physically as jaw clenching or increased muscle tension, which can worsen TMJ symptoms considerably. Addressing that tension through massage and adjustments can help even when stress itself isn’t fully within your control.
Ready to Get Started With TMJ Care?
Request your appointment today and let our team build a personalized care plan around your goals.
