TMJ and Jaw Pain Care in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Life Chiropractic can evaluate jaw (TMJ) pain, along with the neck, posture and muscle tension that often come with it, at our North Scottsdale and Phoenix–Ahwatukee offices. Chiropractic care for TMJ is supportive care, and it doesn’t replace your dentist or doctor. Some jaw problems come from the teeth, the bite or the joint itself, so we’ll suggest seeing your dentist or doctor when that’s the better first step. See our overview of chiropractic care for pain for other conditions we help with.
Is this you?
- Your jaw clicks or pops when you open wide or chew.
- You wake up with a sore jaw or tight temples.
- Chewing tougher foods tires out your jaw.
- Your dentist has mentioned grinding or clenching.
- Jaw tension comes with tight neck and shoulder muscles.
If this sounds like you, a conversation is a good place to start. Request your free consultation or tap to call: Call Scottsdale: 480-563-5000 | Call Ahwatukee: 480-460-1399
Understanding TMJ Disorder (TMJ)
TMJ disorders (also called TMD) are problems with the jaw joint and the muscles that move it. Common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Popping, clicking, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Headaches, often around the temples
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ear (have a doctor check any hearing changes or ringing)
Causes of TMJ Disorder:
TMJ disorder can be caused by various factors, such as:
- Stress and anxiety
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Jaw injuries
- Arthritis
- Neck and posture strain, such as a forward head posture
Where to Start: Dentist, Doctor or Chiropractor?
- Start with your dentist if you have tooth pain, loose or cracked teeth, a bite that suddenly feels different, or grinding at night. Whether you need a night guard is a decision for your dentist.
- See a medical doctor or urgent care if your jaw locks open or closed, if there’s swelling or a fever, after a blow to the face, or if you have new numbness or weakness in your face.
- Consider a chiropractic evaluation if your jaw tension comes with neck and upper back tightness or posture strain, or after your dentist has ruled out a dental cause.
Call 911 if jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or pain in your arm.
What to Expect at Your First Jaw Pain Visit
- History: when it started, clenching or grinding, stress, sleep, and any dental diagnosis.
- Jaw movement check: how wide and how evenly your jaw opens and closes, and where it clicks or catches.
- Muscles, neck and posture: tender spots in your jaw and neck muscles, how your neck moves, and your head and shoulder posture.
- An honest plan: we explain what we found and whether chiropractic care is a good fit. If your dentist or doctor should look at it first, we’ll tell you, and we’re glad to work alongside them.
Not sure where your jaw pain is coming from? A free consultation is a no-pressure way to talk it through.
Book your free consult | Call Scottsdale: 480-563-5000 | Call Ahwatukee: 480-460-1399
Our Approach to TMJ and Jaw Pain
Chiropractic care for TMJ is supportive care that works alongside your dentist or doctor. Our approach may include:
- Comprehensive evaluation: We’ll assess your jaw movement, posture and neck to look for what may be contributing to your jaw pain, and tell you if your dentist or doctor should check it first.
- Spinal adjustments: Gentle adjustments to the neck and upper back may help ease posture strain that can add tension around the jaw.
- Soft tissue therapy: Massage therapy may help relax tight jaw, neck and shoulder muscles.
- Stress management techniques: We can teach you relaxation techniques to manage stress, a common TMJ trigger.
- Lifestyle modifications: We may suggest softer foods during flare-ups and changes to your workstation and posture.
How TMJ Care Works at Life Chiropractic
- Check dental and medical causes first. We point you to your dentist or doctor when needed.
- Ease muscle tension. Soft tissue work and massage therapy for the jaw, neck and shoulders, with gentle adjustments to the neck and upper back when appropriate.
- Practice at home. Gentle TMJ exercises, relaxation habits, posture changes and softer foods during flare-ups.
- Re-check and coordinate. We review how you’re doing and stay in step with your dentist or doctor.
Read about our neck pain treatment, or learn more about our Scottsdale chiropractic office.
TMJ FAQs
What happens at my first visit for jaw pain?
We review your symptoms, check your jaw, neck and posture, and tell you honestly whether to start with us, your dentist or your doctor.
Should I see a dentist or a chiropractor for TMJ?
Start with your dentist for tooth pain, bite changes or grinding. If jaw tension comes with neck and posture strain, or a dental cause has been ruled out, a chiropractic evaluation may help. Many people see both.
Can a chiropractor fix TMJ?
We don’t promise to fix TMJ. Chiropractic care is supportive care that may help ease muscle tension and posture strain around the jaw. Your exam tells us whether it’s a good fit for you.
Does TMJ care hurt?
Care is gentle. Jaw muscles can be tender, so we adjust the pressure to your comfort.
Can TMJ cause ear or eye pain?
Jaw problems can sometimes cause pain that feels like it’s in the ear or around the eye. See a doctor for any hearing or vision changes, ear drainage, or eye pain, to rule out other causes.
Is the consultation free, and how many visits will I need?
Yes, the consultation is free. The number of visits depends on your exam and goals. We explain our recommendation, and the cost of any exam or care, before you decide.
How Chiropractic Care May Help With TMJ
Everyone responds differently. Supportive care may help:
- Ease tension in the jaw, neck and shoulder muscles
- Make everyday jaw movement, like chewing and talking, more comfortable
- Give you home exercises and habits to manage flare-ups
- Offer a drug-free, non-surgical option to use alongside dental care
TMJ Disorder Exercises:
We can show you gentle jaw and posture exercises to do at home between visits.
Talk to Us About Your Jaw Pain
Is jaw pain, clicking or clenching wearing you down? Book a free consultation, and we’ll help you figure out whether chiropractic care, your dentist or your doctor is the right place to start.
- Book online: Book your free consult
- North Scottsdale: Call 480-563-5000
- Phoenix–Ahwatukee: Call 480-460-1399
LOCATIONS
Phoenix - Ahwatukee
4722 E. Ray Rd. Ste 5
Phoenix AZ, 85044
Phone: 480-460-1399
Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:00AM – 12:00PM, 2:30PM – 6:00PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
North Scottsdale
8900 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Ste E-5
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: 480-563-5000
Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:00AM – 12:00PM, 2:30PM – 6:00PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM