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Relieve Facial Tension and Restore Natural Jaw Movement
Stop letting pain control your life. At Urban Chiropractic, we don’t just mask your symptoms—we find and treat the root cause of your pain.
Your jaw is one of the most used joints in your body, essential for speaking, eating, and breathing. When the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) becomes misaligned or the surrounding muscles tighten, it can lead to chronic facial pain and debilitating headaches. At Urban Chiropractic, we treat the jaw, neck, and skull as a single functional unit to provide lasting relief.
Common Jaw Problems We Treat
TMJ Pain and Dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction occurs when the hinge joint connecting your jaw to your skull becomes inflamed or the internal protective disc slips out of place.
You might feel:
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth.
- Sharp pain or a dull ache in the jaw joint and around the ear.
- "Lockjaw" or a restricted ability to open the mouth fully.
- Tenderness in the facial muscles that worsens with chewing or talking.
Usually caused by:
- Bruxism (chronic grinding or clenching of teeth, often due to stress).
- Jaw Misalignment (an uneven "bite" placing stress on the joint).
- Cervical Spine Issues (neck misalignments pulling on the jaw muscles).
- Disc Displacement (the small shock-absorbing disc in the joint slipping out of position).
How Urban Chiropractic Helps Relieve TMJ Pain
At Urban Chiropractic, we provide personalized, non-invasive care focused on correcting the underlying causes of TMJ pain—not just temporary relief.
- Active Release Therapy (ART): Releases tension in the masseter and pterygoid muscles—the primary muscles used for chewing.
- The Gonstead Adjustment: Corrects misalignments in the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2) that often contribute to jaw tension.
- Joint Mobilization: Gentle manual techniques to help the jaw "track" correctly and reduce clicking.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Targets painful knots in the neck and temples that refer pain directly into the jaw.
- Postural & Gait Analysis: Identifies "forward head posture" which places significant mechanical strain on the TMJ.
How to Prevent Lower Back Pain
- Manage stress levels
Practice relaxation techniques to reduce the unconscious clenching of your jaw during the day.
- Mindful chewing habits
Avoid excessively hard or chewy foods (like gum or ice) that overwork the jaw muscles.
- Correct your posture
Keep your head “stacked” over your shoulders to prevent the neck muscles from pulling on the jaw.
- Rest your jaw
Practice keeping your “lips together, teeth apart” to ensure the joint isn’t under constant pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor really fix jaw pain?
Yes. Since the jaw is a joint supported by muscles and controlled by nerves, chiropractic care is highly effective at restoring its proper function.
Why does my jaw pain cause headaches?
The muscles used for chewing are connected to the sides of your head. When these muscles tighten, they often cause tension headaches in the temples.
Should I see a dentist or a chiropractor?
If your pain is caused by tooth decay, see a dentist. If the pain is mechanical—involving clicking, muscle tension, or joint locking—a chiropractor is the right choice.