Can Chiropractic Care Help with TMJ Pain?
If you suffer from jaw pain, clicking, popping, limited range of motion, or even frequent headaches and neck tension, you may be dealing with TMJ dysfunction—a condition we see and help patients with every day here at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your head, and they allow your jaw to move smoothly so you can speak, chew, yawn, and function normally. When this joint becomes irritated, inflamed, or misaligned, it leads to a range of symptoms collectively known as TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction).
Up to 15% of adults experience TMJ-related issues at some point in their lives—and women are affected more often than men. Many times, this condition is connected to other problems in the spine, especially the cervical spine (neck).
Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
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Jaw pain or tenderness
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Clicking or popping in the jaw
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Locking of the jaw joint
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Headaches or migraines
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Facial pain
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Neck and shoulder stiffness
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Difficulty chewing
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Earaches or a sense of fullness in the ears
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Forward head posture
The TMJ–Neck Connection
A growing body of research points to a strong relationship between jaw dysfunction and cervical spine misalignment. Studies have shown that TMJ disorders are often accompanied by neck problems, poor posture, and nerve irritation. One study published in the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain found that patients with TMJ had significantly more forward head posture than those without. Another study in Biomed Research International linked TMJ dysfunction to higher levels of neck disability.
This means that addressing spinal alignment, posture, and nerve interference through chiropractic care can have a direct, positive impact on TMJ-related symptoms.
How Chiropractic Can Help
At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness, Dr. Sam Camarata and Dr. Brian Dickinson take a whole-body, holistic approach to TMJ pain. They assess the alignment of the neck and upper spine, the balance and tension of the muscles surrounding the jaw, and the overall posture of the patient. New Patient Scheduler Online Here!
Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine can help:
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Reduce joint and muscle tension
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Improve jaw mobility and function
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Restore proper nerve flow
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Reduce inflammation
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Alleviate referred pain in the head, neck, and shoulders
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Improve posture
We also incorporate soft tissue therapy, IASTM (Graston technique), postural correction exercises, and home care recommendations to address the muscular and biomechanical components of TMJ pain.
Co-Management with Other Providers
TMJ dysfunction may also involve the bite and teeth alignment. In certain cases, we work closely with local dentists and oral health providers for collaborative care when needed. Combining dental and chiropractic perspectives can often speed up healing and resolution of symptoms.
Your Next Step
If you or someone you love is dealing with TMJ issues—don’t wait. The longer this condition goes unaddressed, the more it can impact your quality of life. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, natural approach that can help you feel better and function better without drugs, injections, or surgery.
Contact Us Today
Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness
Main Office: 3237 Union St, North Chili, NY 14514
Phone: 585-617-4145
Email: info@camaratachiropractic.com
We also have a secondary location inside Elevate 585 Fitness & Performance Center in Rochester, NY.
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