TMJ Treatment in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Jaw pain, clicking, and tension can make chewing, talking, and even sleeping uncomfortable. At I Heart Chiro, we offer gentle, drug-free chiropractic care for TMJ disorders at your home or office anywhere in Dallas-Fort Worth, addressing the jaw, neck, and surrounding muscles that contribute to your symptoms.
What Is the TMJ?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones of the skull. You have one just in front of each ear. The TMJ is one of the most unique joints in the body, allowing your jaw to move forward, backward, and side to side so you can chew, talk, sing, and yawn.
TMJ vs. TMD
Problems with the muscles, ligaments, discs, bones, or the joint itself are called temporomandibular disorders, or TMD. TMD refers to the actual disorder, where the jaw joint is misaligned or irritated and causes pain, inflammation, or difficulty moving the jaw. These problems are often referred to simply as “TMJ.”
Common TMJ Symptoms
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or a jaw that locks
- Pain around the ear or face
- Headaches and neck pain
Common Causes
TMJ problems can be linked to teeth grinding or clenching, stress, poor posture, arthritis in the jaw, and injuries like whiplash.
How Chiropractic Care Helps TMJ
The jaw and neck are closely connected, so your chiropractor will evaluate both. Care may include gentle jaw mobilization, chiropractic adjustments to the neck and upper back, muscle therapy for tight jaw and neck muscles, and exercises and posture guidance to reduce strain on the joint.
Care at Your Convenience
Our mobile chiropractic visits come to you. Call I Heart Chiro at (214) 886-7804 to schedule.
TMJ FAQs
Can a chiropractor help TMJ?
Yes. Chiropractic care can help TMJ symptoms through gentle jaw mobilization, neck adjustments, and soft tissue therapy.
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ is the jaw joint itself, while TMD refers to disorders affecting that joint and its muscles.
Can TMJ cause headaches?
Yes. Jaw tension and clenching often contribute to headaches and neck pain.
Does posture affect TMJ?
Forward head posture changes jaw position and can increase strain on the TMJ.
Should I also see my dentist?
If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may recommend a night guard alongside chiropractic care.
Is jaw clicking a problem?
Clicking without pain is common, but clicking with pain, locking, or limited opening should be evaluated.
Can you treat TMJ at my home?
Yes. We provide mobile care throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.