How Chiropractic Care Helps with TMJ Disorder
Author: Dr. Adam Baker, DC
How Chiropractic Care Helps with TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) — often called TMJ disorder — affects the joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. For many people, TMD causes jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth, clicking or popping, headaches, and neck or shoulder discomfort. Unfortunately, many standard dental or medical treatments don’t fully resolve TMD symptoms. That’s where evidence-based chiropractic care can play a meaningful role. In this post we explore how chiropractic interventions may help TMD, review the research, describe what to expect, and explain how to assess whether chiropractic care is right for you.
What is TMJ disorder and why does it matter?
Understanding the joint and common symptoms
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge and sliding joint that allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, talk, and yawn. TMD refers to a group of conditions affecting the joint, nearby muscles and/or the cervical spine. Symptoms can include:
· Jaw pain or soreness, especially when chewing
· Difficulty or limitation in opening the mouth (maximal mouth opening)
· Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the joint
· Headaches, ear pain, neck or shoulder pain secondary to jaw dysfunction
· Bruxism (teeth-grinding), clenching, or sleep-related issues
Because the TMJ is intimately connected with muscles of mastication, the cervical spine, and posture, dysfunction here often has ripple effects — from jaw mobility to neck posture to spinal alignment. According to one systematic review, upper-cervical joint mobilization and manipulation significantly improved pain and mouth-opening in individuals with TMJ dysfunction.
Why conventional treatments sometimes fall short
Traditional dental or medical approaches (occlusal splints, pain medications, surgery) may offer relief but do not always address functional or postural contributors — such as cervical spine mechanics, muscular imbalances, or upper-neck alignment. Some patients end up with persistent pain despite multiple interventions, which is why a multidisciplinary approach is often recommended.
How chiropractic care can support TMD relief
Addressing cervical spine and posture contributions
Research shows a strong link between upper-cervical spine alignment and TMJ function. Misalignments or restricted motion in the cervical segments can increase strain on the jaw, affect muscular balance, and aggravate TMD symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine have been shown to improve maximal mouth opening and reduce pain in TMJ patients.
Direct TMJ or jaw-joint specific treatment
Some chiropractic protocols include assessment and treatment of the TMJ itself — mobilizing the joint, massaging masticatory muscles (masseter, temporalis, pterygoids), and improving biomechanical movement of the jaw. In a case series of 14 patients with TMD, chiropractic care using dedicated protocols showed an average reduction in pain from 8.3 to 1.4 out of 10 (an ~81% improvement) after multi-visit care.
Soft-tissue and myofascial work around the jaw, neck and head
TMD often involves trigger-points, muscle tightness, or fascial restrictions in the face, head, neck and upper shoulders. Manual therapy (including soft-tissue release, mobilization, intra-oral work) combined with chiropractic care has shown promising short-term improvements in pain and mouth function. For example, a 2023 network meta-analysis found manual therapy (which includes chiropractic styles) is among the most likely interventions to reduce pain in myofascial TMD.
Combined, multimodal approach
Because TMD is multifactorial, chiropractic care is best used in combination with other interventions: posture correction, jaw exercises, stress management (bruxism/clenching often worsen TMD), sleep hygiene, and possibly dental or physical-therapy input. One recent study found that chiropractic therapy reduced TMD severity more than exercise alone in a quasi-experimental trial.
What the research says: evidence & limitations
Evidence of benefit
· The 2015 retrospective series (14 patients) found large reductions in pain and improved jaw opening with chiropractic protocols.
· The 2023 meta-analysis of upper-cervical mobilization/manipulation found statistically significant improvements in pain and mouth opening vs sham or other interventions.
· More recent case studies show chiropractic care may complement non-surgical approaches in TMD management.
How chiropractic care fits into your TMD self-care routine
Initial assessment & personalized plan
At your first visit, the chiropractor will take a thorough history (jaw pain, clicking, opening limitations, neck/shoulder/ head involvement), evaluate jaw-opening range, palpate masticatory muscles, assess cervical spine mobility and posture, and identify contributing factors (stress/clenching, sleep posture, smartphone use). They may then design a multi-stage plan: spinal adjustment, jaw/muscle mobilization, home exercises and posture coaching.
What to expect from treatment sessions
Gentle spinal adjustments or mobilizations (especially upper cervical).
TMJ-specific mobilization/massage of jaw muscles.
Soft-tissue work for neck/shoulder tension that may feed into jaw dysfunction.
Home-exercise prescriptions: jaw opening/closing with controlled motion, lateral deviation, posture correction.
Lifestyle advice: stress and clench management, sleep position, ergonomic review (phone, computer).
Your role: habits, homework & lifestyle
Chiropractic care succeeds when paired with your own commitment:
Jaw mobility & stretching exercises daily.
Avoid prolonged downward gaze (phone/tablet) and maintain cervical posture.
Soften daytime clenching, manage bruxism at night.
Sleep on supportive pillow, avoid hard chewing surfaces.
Hydrate, manage stress, limit excessive jaw load (chewing gum, tough foods).
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Treatment for TMJ Disorder
Can chiropractic care really help jaw pain and TMJ clicking?
Yes — multiple studies (including RCTs and case series) indicate chiropractic mobilization/adjustment of the cervical spine and jaw muscles can reduce pain and improve function (mouth opening) in TMD patients.
How many visits will I need before I see improvement?
It varies. Some patients see meaningful relief in a few weeks (4-8 visits), while chronic cases may need 10-15 visits or more plus home exercises. One case series averaged ~13.6 visits.
Can Chiropractic Care Prevent TMJ Problems from Returning?
Yes, it can help. Regular chiropractic visits promote proper posture, spinal alignment, and muscle balance, which can prevent stress and tension from returning to the jaw area. Combined with mindful habits like avoiding teeth grinding, improving ergonomics, and reducing stress, ongoing chiropractic maintenance can support long-term TMJ health and overall well-being.
Are there risks I should know about?
Most patients tolerate chiropractic well, but risks like temporary soreness, stiffness or very rarely nerve/joint complications exist. Always disclose your full health history and ask about contraindications.
Start Your Journey to TMJ Relief with Chiropractic Care at The Winchester Institute
If you’ve been struggling with jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, or tension headaches related to TMJ disorder, you don’t have to keep living in discomfort. Many patients have found significant, lasting relief through chiropractic care—often noticing improvement in jaw mobility, reduced muscle tightness, and fewer headaches within just a few visits.
At The Winchester Institute, our team takes a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to TMJ relief. We focus on restoring balance throughout the jaw, neck, and upper spine, addressing the root cause of dysfunction rather than masking symptoms. Our individualized care plans help patients regain comfort, function, and peace of mind through gentle, targeted adjustments and supportive therapies.
If you’re ready to experience how chiropractic care can ease your TMJ pain and enhance your overall well-being, we invite you to schedule an appointment with The Winchester Institute and Meet our Team today.
👉 Take the first step toward relief — book your chiropractic evaluation now and start your journey to a more balanced, pain-free life.