Kayleigh B.
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TMJ Pain
SYMPTOM
TMJ Pain
SITUATION
Kayleigh, a 38-year-old PR manager, came to KIRO with clicking, popping, and discomfort in her left temporomandibular joint (TMJ). She’d always had issues with a feeling of tightness and discomfort in the left side of her jaw, but symptoms got much worse recently after having dental work done. Since the procedure, she noticed pain when chewing, audible popping noises, and discomfort while talking or yawning.
She also reported tension in her neck and shoulders, frequent headaches at the end of the workday, and occasional jaw stiffness, especially in the mornings. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice provided only temporary relief. Concerned about persistent jaw pain and its impact on her work and daily activities, Kayleigh sought chiropractic care to reduce pain, restore jaw mobility, and prevent future flare-ups.
TREATMENT
Care began with an examination by KIRO’s doctors. The evaluation revealed asymmetric motion and tracking of the jaw from the left to right side. Trigger points and tenderness were discovered in the surrounding jaw and neck muscles, and a slight misalignment of the TMJ on the left was present. Our doctors also noted forward head posture which can exacerbate TMJ discomfort.
To further assess function, a baseline nervous system scan was performed, showing elevated tension in the upper neck and shoulders, confirming the connection between her TMJ symptoms and surrounding muscular tension.
Based on these findings, a customized three-month care plan was designed to address the underlying causes of Kayleigh’s TMJ pain. Care began with twice-weekly chiropractic adjustments to the full spine and jaw joints to correct alignment and reduce muscular strain. Hands-on soft tissue therapy targeted the masseter, temporalis, and surrounding neck muscles to relieve tightness and restore movement.
As symptoms decreased, our doctors performed a reassessment and repeated the nervous system scan. They reevaluated jaw motion and symptom frequency. The scan showed a moderate reduction of tension in the neck, and Kayleigh reported improved jaw mobility, and decreased clicking. Based on these improvements, care was adjusted to once-weekly visits, focusing on strengthening, stabilization, and long-term TMJ health.
Over the next two months, our doctors instructed Kayleigh in guided jaw exercises, posture correction strategies, and gentle stretching of the jaw and neck muscles to improve mobility and reduce clenching. Education on daily habits, ergonomic desk posture, and stress management techniques helped prevent aggravation of her TMJ during work and dental-related activities.
RESULT
By the end of her three-month care plan, Kayleigh experienced significant reductions in jaw pain, clicking, and stiffness. She could chew, talk, and yawn without discomfort, and her headaches and neck tension had largely resolved. A final nervous system scan confirmed tension levels had returned to a normal range throughout the neck and upper back, validating the effectiveness of her care. Kayleigh now maintains her health through dedication to mobility and strengthening exercises at home. She states she feels prepared to handle this kind of discomfort in the future without fear.
DURATION
3 months
