Jaw pain & Tmj
Jaw pain can be frustrating and surprisingly complex. The jaw is closely connected to the muscles, joints and nerves of the face, head and neck, so irritation or tension in one area can contribute to symptoms in another. TMJ-related problems may cause jaw pain, clicking or popping, difficulty chewing, facial tension, ear pain, headaches and neck pain. For some patients, these symptoms can become chronic and affect sleep, eating and everyday comfort.
At Asula, we look beyond the jaw itself to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms. Our Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to work with the muscles and joints involved in jaw function, including the muscles of the cheeks, jaw and forehead, as well as muscles inside the mouth. We can also evaluate and adjust the cervical spine when appropriate, including the uppermost vertebra, C1. Because the jaw and upper neck work together as part of the same functional system, dysfunction in the upper cervical spine may be a contributing factor in some cases of jaw pain and TMJ symptoms.
Our approach is gentle, specific and individualized. Chiropractic care may include targeted work to release tight or overactive muscles, improve mobility in the jaw and neck, and restore healthier movement patterns. Depending on your symptoms, your treatment plan may also incorporate massage, acupuncture and corrective exercises to address the contributing factors from multiple angles.
Whether your primary complaint is jaw pain, ear discomfort, headaches, facial tension or neck pain, our goal is to understand the bigger picture and help restore balance and function so you can get back to feeling like yourself.