What It Is

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement, producing pain, clicking or popping, limited opening, and referred pain into the head, neck, and ear. They may involve disc displacement, joint degeneration, muscular hypertonicity, or a combination of these factors. Cervical spine dysfunction frequently contributes to or perpetuates TMJ symptoms.

A Bit of History

TMJ disorders were historically treated primarily by dentists through occlusal adjustment and splint therapy. Recognition of the strong connection between cervical spine mechanics and TMJ function led to broader multidisciplinary involvement including physical therapists and chiropractors, whose manual therapy approaches address important contributors that dental treatment alone does not resolve.

How It Can Help You

Effective TMJ treatment addresses both the local joint and the broader system of factors contributing to jaw dysfunction. Chiropractic care of the upper cervical spine is often the most impactful single intervention for TMJ disorders because of the intimate biomechanical and neurological relationship between the C1-C2 vertebrae and the temporomandibular joint. Manual therapy to the masseter, pterygoid, and temporalis muscles — the primary muscles of mastication — releases the hypertonicity that creates abnormal joint loading and pain. Craniosacral therapy addresses temporal bone mechanics that directly affect TMJ alignment and movement. Stress relief intervention is important because bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching — both stress-related behaviors — are primary drivers of TMJ muscle hypertonicity and disc displacement. Postural correction of the forward head position reduces the mandibular retraction force that loads the TMJ. We coordinate with your dentist regarding splint therapy when occlusal factors are contributing to joint loading. Make an appointment today.