What TMJ problems are
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, sit just in front of each ear and connect your lower jaw to your skull. They move every time you talk, chew, swallow or yawn. Each joint has a small disc that glides as the mouth opens, and powerful muscles on the sides of the face and temples control the motion.
Temporomandibular disorders, often shortened to TMD or simply TMJ, describe a group of problems with those joints and muscles. Common signs include pain in the jaw or in front of the ear, clicking or popping, a jaw that feels tight or tired, difficulty opening wide, and headaches around the temples. Clenching, grinding, stress, long hours with the head pushed forward and past injuries can all play a part.
Many jaw problems improve with conservative care. Chiropractic treatment focuses on the joint mechanics, the chewing and neck muscles, and the daily habits that keep the system overloaded, ideally as part of a team that includes your dentist.
Jaw problems this care may help
Jaw pain shows up in different ways. These are patterns commonly seen in a conservative care setting.
- Jaw muscle pain and tightness
- Aching in the cheeks or temples, often worse in the morning or after chewing, usually involves overworked jaw muscles. Soft tissue work and relaxation strategies are typically central to care.
- Clicking or popping
- Noises when opening or closing are common and not always a problem. When they come with pain or catching, gentle joint work and exercises may help the jaw move more smoothly.
- Limited or uneven opening
- A jaw that will not open fully, or that swings to one side as it opens, may reflect muscle guarding or joint restriction. Gradual mobility work aims to restore a more even path.
- Clenching and grinding
- Daytime clenching and nighttime grinding load the jaw for hours. Care pairs muscle work with habit awareness, and your dentist may recommend a night guard.
- Headaches and neck tension linked to the jaw
- The jaw and upper neck work closely together. Temple headaches and neck stiffness may ease when both areas are addressed. See headache and migraine treatment for related care.
- Ear fullness or ache without infection
- Because the joint sits next to the ear canal, jaw problems can feel like ear pain. If an ear infection or hearing problem has been ruled out, the jaw may be the source.
What to expect at your visits
Care is gentle and paced to your comfort. You can ask to stop or change anything at any time.
Jaw and health history
Dr. Okhowat asks when your symptoms started, whether you clench or grind, what makes things worse, and what your dentist has found. Past jaw injuries, dental work and orthodontic treatment are all relevant.
Jaw, neck and posture exam
He checks how wide and how straight your jaw opens, listens and feels for joint noises, gently presses on the chewing muscles, and examines the upper neck and your resting head posture.
Gentle treatment
Care may include soft tissue work on the jaw, temple and neck muscles, low-force mobilization of the jaw joint, and treatment of the upper neck. Techniques are light, and some are done with the mouth slightly open.
Home care and habits
You learn a resting jaw position (lips together, teeth apart, tongue resting on the roof of the mouth), simple jaw exercises, and ways to notice clenching during the day. Postural and ergonomic training may help if screen posture is a factor.
What conservative jaw care may offer
Every jaw is different, and some cases need dental or medical care as well. Many people notice benefits like these.
- May ease jaw muscle pain and tightness when chewing, talking or yawning.
- Can help the jaw open more comfortably and evenly.
- May reduce temple headaches and neck tension connected to jaw strain.
- Builds awareness of clenching habits so you can interrupt them during the day.
- Offers a non-invasive option that works alongside dental care, such as a night guard.
Is this right for me?
Conservative jaw care may suit you if you have jaw muscle pain, clicking with discomfort, tightness or limited opening, especially when neck tension or clenching seems involved. It works well when your dentist is part of the picture, since bite, teeth and night guards are in their scope.
Some jaw symptoms need a dentist, oral surgeon or physician first. Please seek that evaluation before chiropractic care if any of the following apply.
Often a good fit
- Jaw pain or tightness that builds with chewing, talking or stress
- Clicking with discomfort, or a jaw that feels tired or stiff
- Temple headaches or neck tension that seem tied to clenching
- Your dentist has checked your teeth and suggested conservative care
See a physician first
- A jaw that is locked shut or stuck open and will not move (urgent dentist, oral surgeon or emergency care)
- Jaw pain after a blow to the face, fall or accident, or a bite that suddenly feels wrong (possible fracture or dislocation)
- Facial swelling, fever or a painful tooth (possible dental infection: see a dentist promptly)
- Ear pain with fever, drainage or hearing loss (possible ear infection: see a physician)
- Jaw or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating (call 911)
- Jaw pain when chewing with new headaches, scalp tenderness or vision changes, especially after age 50
- Numbness in the face, or a new lump in the jaw or neck
If you have any of these, please see a physician or go to urgent care before booking. In an emergency, call 911.
How Dr. Okhowat approaches jaw pain
Dr. Okhowat has more than 19 years of experience and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College. Jaw pain is one of the areas where hands-on, low-force technique matters most, because the joint is small and the muscles around it are sensitive.
As a Diplomate of the College of Manipulative and Body Based Practices and a Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine, he looks at the jaw as part of a larger system that includes the neck, posture, sleep and stress. Care can be coordinated with your dentist or oral surgeon when that helps. Jaw care visits are easy to reach from West Hollywood and Hancock Park, both a short drive from the office west of Fairfax Avenue.
- DC, Cleveland Chiropractic College
- AAIM Fellow
- AAIM Diplomate, Manipulative and Body Based Practices
- Over 19 years of experience
Dr. Okhowat treated my TMJ after many, many years of pain and not knowing what to do. I am so grateful to have been referred to him. He has made my TMJ pain go away and all the swelling I have had in my face for years is gone. I left his office feeling so much better each time, and it feels a bit like a miracle.
Questions patients ask
Can a chiropractor help with TMJ?
Many jaw problems involve muscle tension, joint mechanics and neck posture, all areas that chiropractic care addresses. Gentle treatment and home exercises may ease pain and improve opening for many people. It works well alongside a dentist, who manages bite, teeth and night guards.
What does TMJ treatment feel like?
Most techniques are light: gentle pressure on the jaw and temple muscles, slow guided movements of the jaw, and care for the upper neck. The muscles may feel tender at first, but treatment should not be painful. Tell Dr. Okhowat right away if anything feels sharp.
Is jaw clicking a problem?
Clicking on its own, without pain or locking, is common and often not a concern. It is worth having it checked if it comes with pain, catching, a jaw that gets stuck, or changes in how wide you can open.
Can TMJ cause headaches or ear pain?
Yes. Overworked jaw muscles commonly refer pain to the temples, and the joint sits right next to the ear canal, so jaw problems can feel like an earache or ear fullness. An ear infection should be ruled out by a physician if you have fever, drainage or hearing changes.
Do I need a night guard?
That is a question for your dentist, who can check for tooth wear and fit a guard if needed. Chiropractic care focuses on the muscles, joint motion, posture and daytime habits, and it often complements a guard rather than replacing it.
How many visits does TMJ care take?
It depends on how long you have had symptoms and how much clenching or stress is involved. Many people notice changes over several visits combined with daily home exercises. If you are not improving, Dr. Okhowat will suggest other evaluations.
What can I do at home for jaw pain?
Favor softer foods for a while, avoid gum and very wide yawns, keep your teeth apart when resting, and use gentle heat on sore muscles. Notice when you clench during the day, such as at the computer or in traffic, and relax the jaw when you catch it.
Does stress make TMJ worse?
For many people it does, mainly through clenching and muscle tension. Simple breathing, posture breaks and jaw relaxation habits are often part of care, and some people also find support from their physician or a counselor helpful.