TMJ Disorder

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), commonly referred to as TMJ disorders, affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles responsible for chewing, speaking, and opening the mouth. Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint can lead to jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we provide evidence-based, conservative treatment to reduce jaw pain, improve jaw function, and address contributing factors involving the neck, head, and surrounding muscles.

How We Treat TMJ Disorders

Every treatment plan is individualized based on your symptoms, examination findings, and contributing biomechanical factors. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• TMJ and extremity chiropractic adjustments to improve jaw joint mechanics

• Cervical spine adjustments to restore normal movement of the neck, which can influence TMJ function

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and surrounding soft tissues

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to address chronic muscle dysfunction and soft tissue pain in appropriate cases

• Dry needling to reduce trigger points within the muscles of mastication and cervical musculature

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) when appropriate for surrounding soft tissue restrictions

• Corrective exercises to improve jaw mobility, posture, and muscular coordination

• Personalized home exercise program to support long-term symptom relief

Our goal is to reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint while improving normal jaw movement and decreasing pain.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Clicking, popping, or grinding of the jaw

• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

• Pain while chewing

• Facial pain

• Headaches

• Ear pain or a feeling of ear fullness

• Neck pain

• Jaw locking

• Limited jaw motion

Many patients with TMJ disorders also experience muscle tightness throughout the face, neck, and upper shoulders.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders may develop from several contributing factors, including:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

• Jaw clenching

• Stress-related muscle tension

• Jaw trauma

• Arthritis

• Poor posture

• Cervical spine dysfunction

• Disc displacement within the TMJ

• Hypermobility or joint instability

Because multiple structures can contribute to jaw pain, a comprehensive evaluation is essential.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your initial evaluation at Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic is designed to determine the source of your jaw pain and identify factors contributing to TMJ dysfunction.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed health history and symptom review

• TMJ examination

• Cervical spine evaluation

• Orthopedic assessment

• Postural assessment

• Functional movement evaluation

• Personalized treatment recommendations

If advanced imaging or referral to a dentist, oral surgeon, or another healthcare provider is indicated, we will help coordinate your care.

Why Choose Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic?

Our chiropractors evaluate both the jaw and the surrounding musculoskeletal system because TMJ disorders often involve more than just the jaw joint itself. Your treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), dry needling, IASTM, and corrective exercises to restore function and reduce pain.

Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce jaw pain

• Improve jaw mobility

• Decrease headaches and facial pain

• Improve chewing function

• Reduce muscle tension

• Improve neck posture and movement

• Help patients avoid unnecessary medications or invasive procedures whenever possible