Jaw pain, clicking sounds, and tension in the face or neck can all stem from dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It’s a small joint that can cause big problems—especially if it’s misaligned or under chronic stress.
At Westport Chiropractic & Rehab, we treat TMJ disorders with gentle, non-invasive chiropractic adjustments and muscle therapy techniques. We focus on reducing pain, restoring movement, and helping you regain normal jaw function without medication or surgery.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint—the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause:
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Headaches or facial tension
- Ear pain or pressure
- Clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Pain when chewing or speaking
- Neck stiffness and upper back tightness
TMJ dysfunction is often tied to posture, stress, trauma, or muscle imbalance. Chiropractic care can help restore balance to the jaw, neck, and surrounding muscles.
How Chiropractic Treats TMJ Pain
Our approach is hands-on and conservative. We assess jaw mechanics, spinal alignment, and muscular tension in the neck and face.
Treatment may include:
- Light chiropractic adjustments to the jaw and upper neck
- Muscle release techniques for tight jaw or facial muscles
- Shockwave therapy for chronic tightness or inflammation
- Neck pain care to reduce contributing tension
- Postural support and home exercises
We avoid aggressive jaw manipulation. Instead, we focus on improving joint mechanics and relieving the pressure that leads to pain.
When to Seek Care for TMJ
You should consider chiropractic treatment if:
- Your jaw clicks, locks, or grinds regularly
- You wake up with jaw pain or headaches
- You clench your teeth under stress
- You’ve tried mouthguards or medication with limited relief
- Your dentist identified TMJ involvement
TMJ disorders are musculoskeletal in nature. That’s why chiropractic treatment can be an effective part of your care—even alongside dental or medical support.
TMJ, Stress, and Posture
Jaw tension often ties into your body’s stress response. Chronic clenching and poor posture (especially forward head posture) can place strain on your jaw and neck simultaneously.
That’s why we take a full-body approach to TMJ care. Chiropractic treatment can help relax overactive muscles, improve alignment, and support better breathing and sleep quality—especially for patients who grind their teeth at night.
Learn more about how posture and stress affect TMJ disorders at the TMJ Association and the NIH’s overview of TMJ conditions.
Schedule Chiropractic Treatment for TMJ in Louisville
If TMJ pain is interfering with your life, we’re here to help. Contact our office to schedule your first visit and get started on a treatment plan built around your needs.