Can a Chiropractor Help With Jaw Pain or TMJ?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Jaw pain can be more than just an occasional annoyance. It can interfere with how you eat, speak, sleep and function day to day. In fact, jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect up to 70% of the general population at some point in their lives, yet only a small fraction seek treatment. If you’re one of the many experiencing clicking, stiffness, aching or restricted movement in the jaw, you might be wondering: Can a chiropractor help with jaw pain or TMJ?

The short answer is yes, chiropractic care may help relieve TMJ symptoms by addressing the musculoskeletal imbalances, joint dysfunction and muscle tension that often underlie the condition. The temporomandibular joint doesn’t work in isolation. Research has shown that TMJ disorders often go hand in hand with cervical spine dysfunction. Chiropractors, who specialise in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal issues, are trained to evaluate the jaw in relation to posture, spinal alignment and muscle function.

Read on to explore how chiropractic treatment works for jaw pain, what to expect during a session and whether it might be the right fit for your symptoms.

Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorders arise from various factors that disrupt the normal function of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. These causes often overlap and contribute to ongoing pain and stiffness. Some of the common causes are:

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which affects up to 31% of adults and worsens TMJ symptoms.
• Jaw injury or trauma from accidents or sports
• Poor posture, especially forward head posture, that strains jaw muscles and joints.
• Stress or emotional tension leading to muscle tightness and clenching
• Misaligned bite or dental problems
• Arthritis or inflammation in the jaw joint

Understanding these causes helps chiropractors tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Symptoms of TMJ

TMJ disorders manifest in a variety of symptoms that can affect your ability to eat, speak and concentrate. Typical symptoms include:

• Jaw clicking, popping or locking during movement
• Pain when chewing, talking or opening the mouth
• Stiffness or tension in jaw muscles and neck
• Frequent headaches and neck pain
• Earaches, ringing or fullness in the ears
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully

If you experience these symptoms regularly, professional assessment is recommended.

When to See a Chiropractor for Jaw Pain or TMJ

Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, especially when symptoms interfere with daily life. You should consider seeing a chiropractor if you have:

• Persistent jaw pain that does not improve with rest
• Clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement
• Difficulty chewing, speaking or opening your mouth fully
• Stiffness or tension in the jaw, neck or shoulders

Early care can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve recovery chances.

How Does a Chiropractor Help With TMJ?

Chiropractors use a range of techniques to address TMJ by focusing on the jaw joint, muscles and related spinal areas. Their goal is to restore normal jaw function and reduce pain.

Adjusts the Jaw Joint Gently

Chiropractors perform precise, gentle adjustments to the temporomandibular joint to improve alignment and mobility. Studies show manual therapy targeting the TMJ reduces pain and increases maximum mouth opening significantly, with effects lasting medium term and improved further when combined with therapeutic exercises. These adjustments help reduce joint strain and restore smooth movement.

Reduces Muscle Tension Around the Jaw

Muscle tightness around the jaw contributes to TMJ pain and restricted motion. Chiropractors apply soft tissue therapies like trigger point therapy and myofascial release to relax these muscles. Research indicates that such therapies decrease muscle activity and improve function, which can lessen pain and improve jaw mobility.

Improves Alignment of the Spine and Neck

Poor neck and upper back posture increases tension on the jaw. Spinal adjustments help correct posture and relieve nerve irritation that may worsen TMJ symptoms. Clinical trials have found cervical spine manipulation improves jaw range of motion and reduces pain in TMJ patients, likely due to neurophysiological effects on nerves shared between the neck and jaw.

Uses Soft Tissue Therapy to Ease Tight Areas

In addition to joint adjustments, chiropractors use massage, scraping and other soft tissue techniques to loosen tight fascia and muscles around the jaw and neck. This enhances flexibility and reduces discomfort, supporting better jaw function.

Relieves Pressure on Nearby Nerves

Misalignment of the jaw or cervical spine can irritate nerves contributing to TMJ pain. Chiropractic care aims to relieve this pressure, decreasing nerve-related symptoms such as headaches and ear pain. Studies highlight the importance of addressing cervical spine issues to reduce trigeminal nerve irritation linked to TMJ.

Guides Simple Jaw Exercises

Chiropractors provide tailored exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint mobility. Evidence shows that combining manual therapy with therapeutic exercises maintains longer-term improvements in pain and function for TMJ patients.

Corrects Posture That May Affect Jaw Movement

Postural habits, especially forward head posture, place extra strain on the jaw joint. Chiropractors assess and correct posture to reduce this strain, promoting better jaw function and preventing the recurrence of symptoms.

Offers Advice on Reducing Daily Jaw Strain

Lifestyle factors like excessive gum chewing, nail biting or poor ergonomics can worsen TMJ. Chiropractors offer practical advice to minimise these habits and protect the jaw, enhancing treatment outcomes.

Helps Lower Stress-Related Clenching or Grinding

Stress may lead to jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which aggravates TMJ. Chiropractors may recommend relaxation techniques and stress management strategies to reduce muscle tension and prevent damage.

Chiropractic Techniques Used for TMJ

Chiropractors use a combination of methods tailored to each patient’s needs, including:

• Gentle jaw and spinal adjustments
• Soft tissue and trigger point therapy
• Neck and upper spine manipulation
• Postural correction strategies
• At-home exercises and jaw relaxation tips

This multimodal approach addresses both symptoms and underlying causes.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for TMJ

Emerging clinical research suggests that chiropractic care may be a beneficial option for managing TMJ symptoms. For individuals with TMJ dysfunction, chiropractic treatment may offer several potential advantages, including:

• Reduced jaw pain and tenderness
• Less muscle tension and stiffness around the jaw and neck
• Fewer headaches and neck discomfort
• Improved jaw mobility and function
• Enhanced bite alignment and joint stability
• Non-invasive, drug-free treatment with minimal side effects

Final Thoughts

Chiropractors provide a holistic, evidence-based approach to managing jaw pain and TMJ disorders. Through gentle joint adjustments, soft tissue therapy, posture correction and guided exercises, chiropractic care can significantly reduce pain and improve jaw function. If you experience persistent jaw discomfort, clicking or difficulty chewing, consulting a chiropractor may offer lasting relief and enhance your quality of life.

Ready to Find Relief from Jaw Pain?

At Goto Health, our experienced chiropractors take a holistic, personalised approach to TMJ and jaw pain. If you're ready to explore gentle, drug-free options for relief, book your appointment today and start your journey toward better jaw function and comfort.