Jaw pain can be more than just an annoyance—it can interfere with eating, talking, and even sleeping. Many people who experience chronic jaw discomfort or clicking sounds when opening and closing their mouth are surprised to learn that your chiropractor can often help. The condition known as TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular joint disorder) is not just a dental issue; it can also involve the muscles, nerves, and alignment of the jaw and neck.

In many cases, chiropractic adjustments can reduce tension, improve alignment, and help restore normal movement to the jaw joint. Let’s explore what TMJ is, what causes it, and how chiropractic care can provide lasting relief.

Understanding TMJ Dysfunction

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two hinge-like joints that connect your jawbone to your skull, one on each side of your face. These joints are responsible for allowing your mouth to open, close, and move side to side when chewing or speaking.

When the TMJ becomes irritated, misaligned, or overworked, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or talking

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening or closing the mouth

  • Headaches or migraines

  • Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears

  • Stiffness or limited movement in the jaw

  • Pain that radiates into the neck, shoulders, or face

This condition is often called TMJ disorder or TMD. The causes can vary, but common contributors include:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

  • Misalignment of the jaw or bite

  • Poor posture, especially forward head posture

  • Stress or tension that causes muscle tightening

  • Injury to the jaw, neck, or head

How the Neck and Jaw Are Connected

The jaw doesn’t work in isolation—it’s closely linked to the neck, shoulders, and skull through muscles and nerves. The muscles that control jaw movement also attach to the neck and upper spine. When the cervical spine (the neck area) becomes misaligned, it can create tension or irritation in the nerves that influence jaw movement.

This is why many people with chronic TMJ pain also experience neck stiffness or upper back tension. By restoring proper movement and alignment to the cervical spine, chiropractors often help reduce stress on the jaw joints as well.

How Chiropractic Care Helps TMJ Pain

Chiropractic treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment, improving joint mobility, and reducing muscle tension. When applied to TMJ dysfunction, chiropractic adjustments can target both the jaw itself and the neck area, depending on where the imbalance is coming from.

Here are some of the main ways chiropractic care can help relieve TMJ pain:

1. Realigning the Jaw and Spine

Misalignment of the jaw or the upper cervical spine can cause uneven movement and pressure on one side of the TMJ. Chiropractors use gentle, specific adjustments to realign these areas. This helps restore balance to the muscles and joints, reducing strain and improving motion.

2. Reducing Muscle Tension

TMJ pain is often caused or worsened by tight muscles around the jaw, head, and neck. Chiropractors may use soft tissue techniques, stretching, and trigger point therapy to relax these muscles. This can reduce pain and improve the jaw’s ability to open and close smoothly.

3. Improving Nerve Function

When the spine is misaligned, it can irritate the nerves that control muscles and sensations in the face and jaw. Chiropractic adjustments relieve pressure on these nerves, allowing them to function properly and reducing pain signals.

4. Enhancing Posture

Forward head posture—common among people who spend long hours looking at phones or computers—places added strain on the jaw and neck. Chiropractors often address postural problems that contribute to TMJ tension, helping patients maintain better alignment even after treatment.

5. Reducing Headaches and Associated Pain

TMJ dysfunction frequently causes tension headaches or pain that radiates into the temples, ears, or neck. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate these secondary symptoms by reducing muscular and nerve stress throughout the upper body.

What to Expect During Chiropractic TMJ Treatment

When you visit a chiropractor for TMJ pain, your first appointment will likely include a thorough assessment. The chiropractor will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and examine the movement of your jaw and neck.

Treatment may include:

  • Gentle jaw adjustments: These help restore proper alignment of the temporomandibular joint itself.

  • Neck and upper spine adjustments: These reduce nerve interference and improve posture.

  • Muscle therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue massage, stretching, or trigger point therapy may be used to relax the jaw and surrounding muscles.

  • Home exercises: You may be given simple stretches or posture exercises to help maintain your results.

Each treatment plan is customized based on the severity of the TMJ dysfunction and any contributing factors such as posture or stress.

Complementary Treatments That Work Well With Chiropractic

Chiropractic care can be even more effective when combined with other supportive therapies, such as:

  • Massage therapy: Helps relieve chronic muscle tension and improve circulation in the jaw and neck area.

  • Stress management: Techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, or counseling can help reduce clenching or grinding caused by stress.

  • Physical therapy or jaw exercises: Targeted exercises can strengthen and balance the muscles that control jaw movement.

  • Custom orthotics: If your TMJ pain is related to poor posture or misalignment of your feet and spine, foot orthotics can help improve your overall body mechanics.

When to Seek Help for Jaw Pain

You should see a chiropractor or other healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

  • Persistent jaw pain lasting more than a few days

  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully

  • Clicking or popping sounds that cause discomfort

  • Headaches, neck pain, or ear symptoms associated with jaw movement

The sooner you address the issue, the better your chances of avoiding chronic pain or long-term joint damage.

The Benefits of Chiropractic TMJ Treatment

Many patients notice significant improvement in just a few sessions. Common benefits of chiropractic TMJ care include:

  • Reduced jaw pain and stiffness

  • Improved ability to chew and talk without discomfort

  • Fewer headaches or neck pain

  • Better posture and alignment

  • Long-term relief without relying on pain medication

By addressing both the symptoms and the root cause—such as spinal misalignment or muscle imbalance—chiropractic adjustments can provide a safe, natural, and effective way to manage TMJ dysfunction.

If you suffer from jaw pain, clicking, or tightness, don’t assume it’s purely a dental problem. Your jaw, neck, and spine work together, and misalignment in one area can easily affect the others.

Chiropractic adjustments offer a gentle, non-invasive way to restore harmony between the jaw and the rest of your body. Many patients find lasting relief and improved quality of life after addressing TMJ dysfunction through chiropractic care.

If you’re in Vancouver and struggling with jaw pain or TMJ symptoms, consider visiting a chiropractor who has experience treating TMJ-related issues. With the right care plan, you can get back to pain-free speaking, chewing, and smiling again.

Article by: Dr. Farokh Zavosh

Burrard Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics – Vancouver Chiropractor