TMJ Pain
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, leading to discomfort in the jaw, face, or even neck and shoulders. It can make chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth uncomfortable and sometimes cause headaches or clicking sounds. At KIRO, our chiropractors focus on improving jaw alignment, relieving muscle tension, and teaching exercises and posture strategies to reduce pain and restore comfortable jaw movement.
Why does TMJ pain occur?
TMJ pain happens when the jaw joint or surrounding muscles become strained, inflamed, or misaligned. Common causes include teeth grinding or clenching (often from stress), poor posture that affects jaw and neck muscles, and jaw injuries. Overuse of the jaw during chewing, talking, or singing can also contribute, as can arthritis or structural changes in the joint. These factors can lead to tension, pain, and restricted jaw movement.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ pain?
TMJ pain often presents as aching or sharp discomfort in the jaw, around the ears, or along the side of the face. Other common signs include jaw stiffness, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, headaches, and tension in the neck or shoulders. Some people also notice ear fullness, ringing, or tooth pain that isn’t related to dental issues.
Who is most at risk for TMJ pain?
People who frequently clench or grind their teeth, often due to stress, are at higher risk for TMJ pain. Poor posture, especially forward head or rounded shoulders, can also strain the jaw muscles. Other risk factors include jaw injuries, arthritis in the joint, and habits like chewing gum excessively or biting nails. Women and individuals aged 20–40 tend to experience TMJ pain more commonly.
How do KIRO doctors treat TMJ pain?
At KIRO, care for TMJ pain starts with a thorough exam of your jaw, neck, and upper back, along with a baseline Nervous System Scan to evaluate joint and muscle function.
Symptomatic phase (first few weeks): Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore proper jaw and neck alignment, reduce muscle tension, and improve joint motion. Soft-tissue therapy and guided stretches ease tight muscles and relieve discomfort.
Corrective phase (next 4–6 weeks): We focus on strengthening the jaw and surrounding muscles, improving posture, and teaching movement and relaxation strategies to reduce jaw clenching and overuse. Ergonomic and sleep posture guidance is also provided.
Preventive phase (ongoing): Periodic adjustments, targeted exercises, and posture coaching help maintain proper jaw mechanics and prevent flare-ups. Monthly Nervous System Scans track progress, and doctor rotation ensures multiple expert perspectives to optimize care.
How long does TMJ pain treatment take?
Many people notice reduced jaw tension and pain relief within 2–4 weeks of consistent care. Improving jaw alignment, strengthening surrounding muscles, and correcting posture typically takes another 4–6 weeks. Full recovery can take a few months, especially if clenching or grinding habits are long-standing, but ongoing exercises and adjustments help maintain results and prevent flare-ups.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for TMJ pain?
Chiropractic care for TMJ pain provides several important benefits, including:
Reduced jaw, neck, and facial muscle tension
Improved jaw joint alignment and range of motion
Relief from clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
Fewer headaches and neck discomfort associated with jaw strain
Guided exercises and posture strategies to prevent recurrence
These benefits help restore comfortable jaw movement, reduce pain, and support long-term function.
FAQs
Why does my jaw click?
Jaw clicking usually happens when the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disc or surrounding tissues shift slightly during movement. It can occur with opening, closing, or side-to-side motions and is often linked to tight muscles, clenching, or misalignment of the jaw. Clicking is usually harmless if it’s painless, but if it’s accompanied by pain, locking, or swelling, it may signal irritation or joint dysfunction that should be evaluated.
Can stress cause jaw pain?
Yes. Stress often leads to clenching or grinding your teeth, which overworks the jaw muscles and irritates the TMJ. This can cause pain, stiffness, headaches, and even tension in the neck and shoulders. Managing stress along with chiropractic care and jaw exercises can help reduce these symptoms.
Should I use a night guard if I have TMJ pain?
A night guard can help protect your teeth and reduce jaw strain caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep. It may relieve pressure on the TMJ and decrease muscle tension. Night guards work best when combined with posture correction, jaw exercises, and other strategies recommended by our chiropractors to address the underlying cause of TMJ pain.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe for TMJ pain?
Yes, when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. Adjustments are gentle and focused on improving jaw, neck, and upper back alignment to reduce tension and restore proper movement. Most people tolerate them well, and any minor soreness typically resolves quickly. Our chiropractors will tailor care to your specific TMJ issues and refer you if a more serious condition is suspected.
What foods should I avoid if I have TMJ pain?
To reduce strain on your jaw, avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods like raw carrots, tough meats, gum, and chewy candies. Large bites or foods that require wide mouth opening, such as apples or bagels, can also aggravate the TMJ. Softer foods and smaller, manageable bites help minimize jaw tension while your TMJ recovers.
What jaw exercises help with TMJ pain?
Gentle jaw exercises can relieve tension and improve TMJ mobility. One common exercise is the jaw stretch: open your mouth slowly to a comfortable limit, hold for a few seconds, then close slowly. Side-to-side movements involve moving the jaw gently left and right without pain. Another helpful exercise is resisted closing: place your fist under your chin and gently press while trying to close your jaw. Perform these slowly, stay pain-free, and repeat a few times daily to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles.
What is my TMJ pain worse in the morning?
TMJ pain is often worse in the morning because jaw muscles can tighten or spasm during sleep, especially if you clench or grind your teeth. Inflammation in the joint may build up overnight, and reduced movement while sleeping can make muscles and ligaments stiffer. Using a night guard, practicing relaxation techniques before bed, and gentle morning jaw stretches can help reduce morning discomfort.
Can TMJ pain cause ear symptoms?
Yes. The temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear, so tension or irritation in the jaw can cause ear-related symptoms. Common signs include earache, fullness, ringing (tinnitus), or a popping sensation. These symptoms are usually linked to muscle tension or joint dysfunction rather than an ear infection, but persistent or severe ear pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How long until my TMJ pain goes away?
Recovery from TMJ pain varies depending on the cause and severity. Many people notice improvement within a few weeks with consistent care, including chiropractic adjustments, jaw exercises, posture correction, and stress management. Persistent or long-standing cases may take several months, but ongoing exercises, habit changes, and targeted treatment can help maintain relief and prevent flare-ups.
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