TMJ Treatment in Sartell, MN

TMJ & Jaw Pain Care

Jaw pain, clicking, popping, or tension around the face can make everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and yawning uncomfortable. Some people also experience frequent headaches, neck tension, or difficulty opening their mouth fully.

These symptoms may be associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which affect the jaw joint (TMJ), surrounding muscles, and how the jaw moves.

Care that starts with understanding

A Comprehensive Approach to Jaw Pain and TMJ Dysfunction

At Good Life Chiropractic, Dr. Elijah Johnson takes a comprehensive approach to TMJ concerns. Rather than focusing only on the jaw, we evaluate how the muscles, joints, neck, posture, and daily stressors may be contributing to your symptoms.

Our goal is to understand what's happening and develop a conservative care plan that addresses your specific needs.

Recognizing the pattern

Common Signs of TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ problems can present differently from person to person. Some experience persistent jaw pain, while others notice symptoms that come and go.

Common concerns include:

Not every clicking or popping sound indicates a problem requiring treatment. What matters is whether it's accompanied by pain, restricted movement, locking, or other symptoms.

Your evaluation

A Closer Look at How Your Jaw Functions

The jaw doesn't work in isolation. Muscles around the face, head, and neck help coordinate its movement, while stress, clenching habits, previous injuries, and neck restrictions may contribute to ongoing discomfort.

Our TMJ evaluation starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, health history, and daily habits. Dr. Eli then examines how your jaw opens and closes, checks for joint restrictions or deviations, and assesses the surrounding muscles, particularly the masseter and temporalis.

We also evaluate the cervical spine, neck and shoulder tension, posture, and relevant movement patterns. Additional assessments or imaging may be considered when clinically appropriate.

This helps us identify potential contributing factors and determine which type of care makes sense for you.

Connected care

Working Together With Your Dental Provider

TMJ concerns often overlap with dental issues, including teeth grinding, tooth wear, and bite-related concerns. That's why collaboration between chiropractic and dental providers can be an important part of care.

Dr. Eli welcomes referrals from dentists and other healthcare professionals who are looking for a conservative, musculoskeletal approach to support their patients.

When appropriate, we coordinate with your dental provider, communicate relevant findings, and refer patients for additional evaluation when their needs extend beyond our scope of care.