Most people do not think of a chiropractor when their jaw starts aching or clicking. Yet the jaw, neck and head work as one system, and problems in one area often show up in another. At our Scott Road clinic I see patients with jaw pain, clicking, headaches and neck tension that have not settled with other approaches. I hold certification in the treatment of oral facial pain, and this article explains how TMJ chiropractic care works and where it fits.
What the TMJ Is and Why It Gets Sore
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. It opens, closes and slides every time you talk, chew or yawn. Pain usually comes from the muscles that move the jaw, from the joint itself, or from both. Common contributors include clenching or grinding, especially during stressful periods, long hours with the head pushed forward at a screen, chewing habits, and previous injury such as a fall or a car accident.
Signs Your Jaw May Need Attention
Typical signs include aching in front of the ear or along the jaw, clicking or popping when you open your mouth, difficulty opening fully, a jaw that feels tired after chewing, and headaches around the temples. Many patients also have tight neck and upper shoulder muscles on the same side. Clicking on its own without pain is common and is not always a problem; pain, catching or a change in how your jaw opens is what we look at more closely.
What the Assessment Covers
Because pain can come from areas beyond where you feel it, I assess the whole region: how your jaw opens and moves side to side, the muscles of the jaw and temples, your neck and upper back, and your posture at rest. I also ask about sleep, stress, clenching and dental history. If anything suggests a dental cause, such as a cracked tooth or a bite problem, I will recommend you see your dentist, and I am happy to work alongside them.
How Treatment Usually Works
Treatment is gentle. It may include soft tissue work on the jaw and temple muscles, mobilisation of the jaw joint, and adjustments to the neck and upper back where stiffness is adding to the load on the jaw. Each visit finishes with simple exercises to improve jaw control and posture, because those are what keep the improvement going between sessions. Patients whose jaw pain comes with headaches may also find our page on headache care useful.
Habits That Help at Home
Small changes make a real difference: resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth with teeth slightly apart, cutting back on gum and very chewy foods during a flare, noticing when you clench during the day, and taking regular breaks from screens to reset your head position. If you grind at night, your dentist can advise you on a night guard.
When to See Someone Else First
A jaw that locks open or shut, swelling, fever, or pain after a significant blow to the face needs prompt medical or dental assessment before chiropractic care. If your jaw pain comes with chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
A Note from Your Chiropractor
Many of the jaw patients I see have already been told their teeth look fine, and they are not sure where to turn next. That is often the point where looking at the muscles, the neck and daily habits together makes sense. Bring any notes from your dentist to your first visit so we can build on what has already been ruled out.
Dr. Fez Moussavi, Chiropractor, Revive Rehab Surrey Scott Road
Reference Sources: Information on chiropractic practice in British Columbia is drawn from the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) and the British Columbia Chiropractic Association.
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