What is TMJ?
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the main joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This complex structure, supported by ligaments, muscles, and nerves, acts like a sliding hinge to help you chew, speak, yawn, and perform other essential movements.
TMJ disorder describes pain, dysfunction, or discomfort within this joint and the surrounding muscles. TMJ disorders are thought to affect around 20–30% of the adult population, occurring more commonly in women and typically between the ages of 20 and 40 years.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ dysfunction can present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches or migraines
- Neck, jaw, or facial pain
- Ear ringing (tinnitus)
- Ear or tooth pain
Depending on your symptoms and individual needs, our chiropractic team at Be Better Chiropractic will work closely with you to develop a tailored TMJ treatment plan that aims to improve jaw mobility, relieve discomfort, and support overall function.
Managing TMJ Pain: Practical Solutions for Everyday Relief
Our team takes a holistic, evidence-informed approach to managing jaw pain and temporomandibular dysfunction. Our TMJ solutions focus on addressing the underlying causes, not just the symptoms.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with TMJ Pain
Muscle Tension Relief
Chronic tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles can place additional stress on the TMJ, contributing to discomfort. Our team of chiropractors utilises soft tissue techniques to help release muscle tension, including:
- Trigger point release
- Manual muscle therapy
- Targeted stretching exercises
By relieving muscle tension, we aim to reduce jaw stiffness, improve your range of motion, and support better jaw function.
Spinal and Jaw Alignment
Spinal misalignments can affect the way your jaw functions. Our chiropractors perform gentle spinal adjustments to help restore optimal alignment, relieving pressure on the joints and muscles that support the TMJ.
When your spine and jaw are working together properly, muscles can relax, nerve communication improves, and the joint can move more naturally. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, targeted approach to support jaw correction and healing.
Postural Correction
Poor posture — particularly forward head posture from prolonged screen use — can strain the neck and jaw, contributing to TMJ symptoms.
At our clinic, we provide education, ergonomic advice, and personalised exercise programs designed to improve posture and reduce strain on your jaw. If you’re looking for some easy-to-implement advice on this topic, you might find our blog post on simple ways to improve your posture helpful.
Stress Management
Stress is a common contributor to Jaw dysfunction, often leading to jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
As your chiropractors, we provide a comprehensive approach to help with:
- Addressing the parasympathetic nervous system through specific spinal adjustments and advice to promote relaxation
- Offering guidance on lifestyle modifications, breathing techniques, and mindfulness strategies to help manage everyday stress
Supporting both the body and mind plays a vital role in achieving lasting TMJ pain relief.
Ready to Find Your TMJ Solution?
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, difficulty moving your jaw, or any of the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, chiropractic care may be able to help.
Schedule a consultation with the team at Be Better Chiropractic today to explore your options for holistic TMJ treatment, and take the first step towards better jaw health and lasting relief.