Understanding TMJ Issues: Symptoms and Causes
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction can cause discomfort, jaw pain, popping, clicking, and headaches. This condition affects the jaw’s ability to move smoothly, making everyday activities like eating and speaking painful. TMJ issues can stem from stress, misalignment, muscle tightness, or even poor posture.
How Chiropractic Care Helps TMJ Dysfunction
Chiropractic treatment offers a non-invasive solution to TMJ pain by addressing both jaw and neck alignment. Chiropractors assess jaw movement to determine if excessive motion or tightness in the cervical spine contributes to dysfunction. Treatment includes:
- Targeted Muscle Release – Relieving tension in the jaw and neck muscles to improve mobility and reduce strain.
- Precise Cervical Adjustments – Utilizing high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques to restore neck alignment and ease muscle tension.
- TMJ-Specific Adjustments – Using an adjusting instrument for gentle treatment to enhance jaw joint function and alleviate discomfort.
Real Patient Success Story
One of our patients, Allie H., shared her experience with our TMJ treatment:"Over the past few months, my TMJ has become unbearable, to the point where I was waking up in the middle of the night clenching & waking up with an extremely sore jaw. When I learned TMJ is something that could be treated by a chiropractor, I went to see Dr. Ryan. After my FIRST appointment with him (he did a muscle release on my jaw and adjusted my neck), I slept 8 hours through the night WITHOUT waking up clenching, and didn’t wake up with a sore jaw. I’ve been back a second time, and since then my clenching has significantly decreased. I’m excited to continue this treatment—it’s been SUCH a much-needed relief!"
The Role of Super Pulsed Laser Therapy in TMJ Pain Relief
Super pulsed laser therapy is an advanced tool that enhances chiropractic treatment by reducing inflammation and accelerating tissue healing. A session typically lasts 5-10 minutes, and we generally recommend 10-15 sessions for optimal results. Benefits of laser therapy include:
- Reduced inflammation – Decreasing swelling around the jaw joint.
- Pain relief – Stimulating endorphin release for natural pain management.
- Improved healing – Enhancing blood flow to promote tissue repair.
At-Home Exercises to Support TMJ Recovery
To complement in-office treatments, we recommend the following exercises:
- Resisted mouth opening – Gently open your mouth while applying resistance with your fingers on your chin.
- Resisted mouth closing – Slowly close your mouth while resisting with your fingers on your chin.
- Side-to-side jaw movements – Slowly move your lower jaw from side to side while keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
- Forward jaw movement – Gently slide your lower jaw forward and back.
- Chin tucks – Tilt your head back slightly and gently tuck your chin towards your chest.
- Goldfish exercise – Open your mouth slightly while keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth.Common Concerns
About TMJ Treatment
- When will I start to feel a difference? Some patients notice improvement after the first visit, while others typically feel a significant difference after 3-4 treatments.
- Fear of adjustments? We use a variety of techniques, including instrument-based adjustments, to accommodate all comfort levels.
Experience Lasting Relief from TMJ Pain
At Atomic Pilates & Chiropractic, we combine chiropractic adjustments, muscle release, and cutting-edge laser therapy to provide long-term relief from TMJ dysfunction. Book a consultation today to start your journey toward a pain-free jaw.
Ryan Griffeth
Contact Me
.jpg)
.png)
