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.
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