Understanding TMJ and Jaw Pain

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body, acting as a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ dysfunction often manifests as clicking, popping, or a dull ache that can extend into the face, ears, and neck. While the pain is felt in the jaw, the root cause is frequently tied to the mechanical alignment of the upper neck and the balance of the muscles that control chewing and head posture.

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Because the jaw and the upper cervical spine function as a single unit, a misalignment in the neck can force the jaw to shift its position to compensate. This leads to uneven wear on the joint disk and causes the powerful muscles of the jaw to become chronically tight or inflamed, often exacerbated by stress or nighttime teeth grinding.

 

Dr. Annemarie Stupi is a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner, or a CCEP. This means she has special training for treatment of TMJ disorders. By applying gentle mobilization with soft tissue therapy, Dr. Stupi has given many patients relief of TMJ pain over the years.