What is a TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. This is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This area sees a lot of motion throughout the day. Imagine how many times you open and close your mouth each day with chewing, speaking, and yawning.

A TMJ disorder, often called TMD (temporomandibular disorders), can show up as limited mobility in the jaw, pain in the joint, and tension within the head or jaw muscles. Typically, there is tenderness or tension felt in the jaw muscles when pushed on.

There is a disc of cartilage in the TMJ that allows it to move. This disc can become irritated or damaged resulting in motion obstruction and/or pain. Simply put, TMD is any disorder with the jaw joint, the muscles used for chewing, or even headaches associated.

The NIH reports that 11–12 million adults in the U.S. struggle with pain in the TMJ area.

What Causes Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues?

Many people struggle with TMJ disorders or jaw pain without knowing its cause or how to fix it. The jaw, head, and neck are connected biomechanically and by nerves. If you clench your jaw, certain neck muscles will contract at the same time. The brain sends paired commands to both jaw and neck muscles. Studies show that 70% of the time, neck pain is associated with TMJ disorders.

TMJ pain can be triggered by several factors:

• Grinding teeth at night (bruxism)
• Stress-related issues (mental, physical, or chemical)
• Dysfunction in the neck or spine
• Inflammatory foods (refined carbs, sugars, seed oils, alcohol)
• Mental or emotional stress causing clenching and tension

These factors contribute to muscle tension, joint inflammation, and improper motion, all of which can impact the TMJ. In some cases, multiple stressors can be at play.

How Can Chiropractic Help TMJ Issues?

Chiropractic is a non-invasive approach to correcting TMJ pain through several means. Any neck dysfunction affecting mobility and nerve disruption must first be assessed to determine its relationship to the TMJ disorder you are experiencing. Because of the neck’s relation to the head and jaw, gentle chiropractic adjustments to the neck can help reduce pain in the jaw and also improve the tension experienced.

Chiropractic treatments may include:

• Neck and spinal adjustments
• Manual muscle release techniques around the jaw
• TMJ-specific adjustments
• Exercises to improve jaw stability and motion

Chiropractic is often a great first step because it is conservative and avoids permanent or invasive procedures.

Low Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser) offered at Good Life Chiropractic can also reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing. Other treatment options may include dental appliances, medical therapies, or acupuncture. Understanding the root cause of the TMJ dysfunction is key to finding long-term relief.

Research supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care combined with manual therapy and exercises in improving TMD symptoms like:

• Jaw pain
• Clicking or popping sounds
• Headaches
• Neck pain

TMJ Pain Treatment in Sartell – Next Steps Towards Relief

To find a solution to your TMJ disorder, the root cause must be determined. Your doctor should help you identify the contributing factors. Start by asking yourself:

• Do I have a lot of mental/emotional stress that is causing tension in my jaw or face?
• Have I had previous neck issues or head injuries?
• Do I grind my teeth at night?
• Do I get headaches associated with jaw pain?
• How long have I been struggling with TMJ pain?
• Is the TMJ pain constant, or does it come and go?

True healing takes time and requires looking beyond just the symptoms. At Good Life Chiropractic, we focus on the joints, muscles, and nerves to find and treat the underlying causes of your discomfort.

Dr. Elijah Johnson – TMJ Chiropractor Near You

Dr. Johnson is a chiropractor with advanced training in jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Through non-invasive techniques and a whole-body approach, Dr. Johnson helps patients find lasting relief from TMJ-related pain, headaches, and facial tension. Working in collaboration with dental professionals, Dr. Johnson is committed to supporting patients with effective, conservative care tailored to their needs.

Contact Good Life Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation and learn how chiropractic care can help restore balance and function to your jaw, head, and neck.