The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the small but powerful joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It works like a hinge but can also slide forward/backwards and move side-to-side. This allows you to talk, chew, and yawn comfortably. When this joint isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to a TMJ dysfunction that can cause pain in the jaw, face and head. Other issues include difficulty opening the mouth, trouble chewing, clicking or popping and tinnitus.

What Causes TMJ Problems?

TMJ dysfunction can develop for several reasons, including:

• Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), often linked to stress
• Nail biting or other habits that strain the jaw
• Muscle tension or chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia
• Arthritis, which can affect the joint
• Injury to the jaw, including after a concussion

How Chiropractic Care Helps

The goal of chiropractic treatment is to restore normal jaw motion, reduce pain, and improve function of the surrounding muscles. Treatment is gentle, targeted, and tailored to each patient.

Common chiropractic approaches include:

1. Joint Mobilization: Slow, controlled movements of the TMJ to reduce stiffness and improve how the joint glides and opens.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage and stretching techniques to relax stiff jaw (muscles of mastication) and neck muscles.
3. Exercises & Lifestyle Strategies: Specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the jaw and neck, in addition to education on habits that reduce strain — including posture, stress management and ways to avoid clenching.
4. Acupuncture: Used to increase blood flow, relax tight muscles, calm the autonomic nervous system and reduce pain around the jaw.

A Team-Based Approach

TMJ care is often most effective when managed collaboratively. Chiropractors commonly work alongside:

• Dentists, who may provide night guards to reduce clenching
• Family doctors, who may recommend medications when needed