Common Symptoms of TMJ
Patients with TMJ disorder may experience:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
- Pain that radiates into the ear, face, or neck
- Headaches or migraines
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Stiffness or limited ability to open the mouth
- Muscle spasms in the jaw, face, or neck
- Pressure or swelling around the jaw joint
- A sense that your bite feels “off”
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), earache, or dizziness
Because TMJ symptoms overlap with other conditions, proper evaluation is essential.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The exact cause of TMJ disorder can be complex and multifactorial. Common root causes and triggers include:
- Teeth Grinding & Jaw Clenching – often stress-related, can wear down cartilage and strain the joint.
- Jaw Injury or Whiplash – trauma can tighten muscles and irritate the joint.
- Genetics & Bite Alignment – overbites, underbites, or family history of joint misalignment.
- Inflammation & Arthritis – degenerative or inflammatory joint conditions can affect the jaw.
- Poor Posture – tension in the neck, shoulders, and head can aggravate TMJ symptoms.
- Stress & Anxiety – emotional stress can unconsciously trigger clenching and grinding.
How TMJ is Diagnosed
At Aligned Modern Health, your provider will review your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle factors. Diagnosis may include:
- Physical examination of jaw movement, muscle tightness, and bite alignment.
- Functional assessment to see how posture, stress, and muscle imbalances may be contributing.
- Referral for imaging (such as X-ray or MRI) if structural concerns are suspected.
Our root-cause approach goes beyond symptom relief, helping identify why your TMJ developed and what may be keeping it from resolving.
Treatment Options at Aligned Modern Health
We provide a non-invasive, whole-body approach to TMJ care through Acupuncture and Chiropractic services.
Acupuncture for TMJ
- Relieves muscle tension and spasms in the jaw and face
- Reduces inflammation and improves circulation
- Promotes relaxation, helping reduce stress-related clenching
- Enhances mobility of the jaw joint
Acupuncture is supported by both traditional use and modern clinical evidence for its effectiveness in TMJ pain relief.
Chiropractic Care for TMJ
- Gentle adjustments to restore balance in the jaw, neck, and spine
- Manual therapy and muscle release techniques to reduce tightness
- Targeted exercises and posture correction to prevent recurrence
- Complementary home care guidance (stretching, heat/cold therapy)
Our chiropractors and acupuncturists often collaborate to provide patients with the most comprehensive relief.
Conditions Commonly Linked to TMJ
TMJ disorders can overlap with or be mistaken for other conditions, including:
- Headaches and Migraines
- Neck Pain
- Tinnitus and Earaches
- Arthritis
- Stress and Anxiety
What to Expect From Care
When you visit Aligned Modern Health, you can expect:
-
Comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and lifestyle triggers.
-
Personalized care plan combining therapies best suited for you.
-
Ongoing support with check-ins to monitor progress and adjust as needed.
We offer both in-clinic and virtual appointments. We’re in-network with major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, TriWest/VA, and United Healthcare.
Is TMJ Affecting You?
Jaw pain and headaches don’t have to be part of your daily life. With holistic, evidence-based therapies, many patients find lasting relief from TMJ disorders.
