Jaw pain, clicking, or tightness in the face? It might not just be a dental issue. The cause could be coming from your neck, posture, or muscular tension tied to your spine.
At Westport Chiropractic & Rehab, we help patients manage TMJ disorder with safe, non-invasive chiropractic care. If your jaw pain is interfering with how you eat, speak, or sleep—it’s time to look at what chiropractic can do.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to the side of your skull.
When this joint is irritated or misaligned, it can lead to:
- Clicking or popping when opening your mouth
- Jaw locking or stiffness
- Pain when chewing or speaking
- Facial soreness or ear pressure
- Headaches
- Neck and upper back tightness
These symptoms are often grouped under TMJ disorder or TMD.
Causes of TMJ Pain
TMJ dysfunction can result from:
- Jaw clenching (especially under stress)
- Poor posture—particularly forward head posture
- Previous neck or jaw injury
- Misaligned bite (dental issues)
- Muscle tension or inflammation
Because the jaw is influenced by surrounding muscles and nerves, a chiropractor’s focus on the neck, spine, and upper back makes a difference.
How Chiropractic Helps with TMJ
Chiropractic care can help relieve pressure on the joint and reduce tension in the connected muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders.
We use:
- Gentle adjustments of the upper cervical spine
- Soft tissue release techniques for jaw and facial muscles
- Postural correction strategies
- Shockwave therapy for chronic tightness
- Breathing and jaw movement education
Our TMJ Treatment approach avoids high-force manipulation. Instead, we support the joint with targeted alignment and muscle therapy that patients often don’t get from dental care alone.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Jaw Pain?
If you’ve tried mouthguards, dental work, or anti-inflammatories—and your pain keeps returning—chiropractic care is worth considering.
Especially if:
- Your pain flares up when stressed
- You have a history of neck tension or poor posture
- You feel worse after long hours on a computer or phone
- You clench your jaw in your sleep
- Your jaw pain is accompanied by upper back or shoulder pain
You don’t need a referral, and you don’t have to wait for the pain to become constant.
TMJ and Stress: A Two-Way Street
Stress and jaw pain often go hand in hand. The more you clench, the more tension you create—not just in your face, but down into your neck and shoulders. Chiropractic care helps address the whole system, not just the pain site.
To understand how emotional and physical stress affect the jaw, explore the TMJ Association’s resource library.
Book a TMJ Consultation in Louisville
If jaw pain or clicking is interfering with your life, contact us at Westport Chiropractic. Let’s evaluate what’s going on and build a plan that fits your body and your needs.