Does your jaw click when you eat? Is there tension settling into your face by the end of the day? Have headaches, neck tightness, or discomfort when you open your mouth?

These symptoms may seem unrelated, but they can sometimes be connected to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull.

Temporomandibular joint disorders, often called TMD or TMJ dysfunction, can affect the jaw as well as the muscles and surrounding structures that help it move. And because the jaw doesn’t function independently from the rest of the body, addressing TMJ discomfort may involve looking beyond the jaw alone.

What Is TMJ Dysfunction?

You have a temporomandibular joint on each side of your face, located just in front of your ears. These joints work alongside muscles and ligaments to allow your jaw to open, close, and move from side to side.

When the joint or surrounding muscles aren’t functioning comfortably, you may experience:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding
• Difficulty or discomfort opening your mouth
• A jaw that feels tight or occasionally locks
• Facial pain or tension
• Headaches
• Ear-area discomfort or pressure
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Pain or fatigue while chewing

Jaw clicking or popping by itself doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. But when it’s accompanied by pain, limited movement, or persistent symptoms, it may be worth having it evaluated.

What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

There isn’t always one clear cause. For many people, several factors may contribute at the same time, including:

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Stress
• Injury to the jaw or face
• Arthritis or changes within the joint
• Tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw
• Neck and upper-body tension or mobility issues

Your jaw, head, neck, and shoulders work together as part of a larger musculoskeletal system. That’s why treatment isn’t always as simple as focusing on the spot that hurts.

How Is TMJ Dysfunction Treated?

Treatment depends on what’s contributing to your symptoms and how they’re affecting you. Many cases can be managed with conservative care.

Treatment may include exercises, manual or soft-tissue therapy, stress management, temporarily modifying habits that aggravate the jaw, or addressing clenching and grinding. Some people may also benefit from working with a dentist or another healthcare provider.

At Watercourse Wellness, we may look at mobility through the neck and upper back, muscle tension around the head and neck, and movement patterns, rather than simply focusing on the jaw. Depending on your needs, care may include gentle manual techniques, soft-tissue work, mobility exercises, and rehabilitation.

The goal isn’t simply to “adjust the jaw.” It’s to understand what’s contributing to your symptoms and help your body move and function more comfortably.

Don’t Forget About the Muscles

If you’ve ever caught yourself clenching your jaw during a stressful day, you know how much tension this area can hold. The muscles involved in chewing can become tight or overworked, with tension sometimes extending into the temples, neck, shoulders, and upper back.

This is one reason massage therapy and other soft-tissue techniques may complement chiropractic care for people experiencing TMJ-related symptoms.

Small Habits Can Make a Difference

Becoming more aware of what your jaw is doing throughout the day can also be helpful. Notice whether you frequently clench your jaw, chew gum, rest your chin in your hand, spend long periods looking down at a screen, or wake up with jaw tension or headaches.

Your provider can help identify habits that may be contributing to your symptoms and recommend exercises or modifications specific to your needs.

Ready to give your jaw a little more attention? Both Dr. Pelley and Dr. Fisher have experience treating jaw pain. Contact Watercourse Wellness or book an appointment online to get started.