TMJ Treatment in Chicago
At Chiropractic Chicago, Dr. Elissa J. Grossman, DC works with patients experiencing TMJ pain to understand why jaw symptoms are occurring.
Jaw clicking, tightness, or discomfort is often the body’s signal that the jaw joint or surrounding muscles are under stress. These symptoms may worsen over time when underlying movement or postural issues go unaddressed.
At Chiropractic Chicago, we complete a thorough evaluation of jaw function, neck mobility, and spinal alignment. Treatment recommendations are based on your findings and focused on reducing joint stress and improving jaw movement. As Dr. Grossman often explains, the goal is to understand what is driving the stress patterns rather than chasing symptoms alone.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder usually develops from cumulative mechanical stress, not a single incident. Chiropractors consistently observe that jaw symptoms are closely tied to posture, neck mechanics, muscle tension, and movement habits. When these systems stop working together efficiently, the jaw joint may absorb excess strain.
Common contributing factors include:
- Jaw muscle overuse and clenching, often related to stress, grinding, or uneven chewing habits
- Forward head and neck posture, which changes how the jaw sits and moves
- Restricted motion in the cervical spine, particularly the upper neck, affecting jaw coordination
- Previous jaw or neck trauma, such as whiplash or direct impact
- Muscle imbalance or tension, pulling the joint out of optimal movement patterns
These factors often build gradually, with symptoms appearing once compensation limits are reached.
How TMJ Disorder Is Diagnosed
Physical Examination and Jaw Assessment
Diagnosis is movement-based and exam-driven, focusing on how the jaw and neck function together.
This typically includes:
- Physical jaw assessment, evaluating range of motion and joint tracking
- Neuromuscular assessment, identifying tension or imbalance
Dr. Grossman’s evaluation style emphasizes assessing how the jaw, neck, and surrounding muscles are interacting, since limitations in one area often affect the others.
Posture Evaluation and Imaging
This typically includes:
- Posture and cervical spine evaluation, reflecting the jaw–neck connection
- Imaging, only when clinically indicated to rule out structural concerns
Findings help determine whether conservative chiropractic care is appropriate.
TMJ Treatment Plan
Personalized TMJ Treatment Plans
TMJ care follows a structured, conservative progression based on exam findings and response to care.
- Step 1: Evaluation
Jaw movement, muscle tension, posture, and cervical mechanics are assessed to identify sources of joint stress. - Step 2: Symptom Reduction
Initial care focuses on reducing joint irritation and muscle overactivity to improve comfort and movement tolerance. - Step 3: Mobility Restoration
Jaw and cervical motion are gradually restored as sensitivity decreases. - Step 4: Functional Support
Postural guidance and corrective exercises help reduce recurring strain during daily activities. - Step 5: Reassessment
Progress is monitored and care adjusted based on symptom response and movement quality.
Conservative, Non-Surgical Care
Care is conservative and individualized. Dr. Grossman emphasizes using gentle, specific approaches and ongoing reassessment rather than aggressive or one-size-fits-all treatment plans.
TMJ Treatment for Chronic Jaw Pain
Chronic TMJ pain usually develops from repeated mechanical stress rather than a single injury. Care is directed at reducing long-term strain and improving coordination between the jaw and neck.
Key focus areas include:
- Addressing long-standing posture patterns, such as forward head posture that continually overloads the jaw joint
- Reducing persistent jaw and neck muscle tension, often linked to clenching, grinding, or asymmetrical chewing
- Improving cervical spine mobility, especially when limited neck motion alters jaw mechanics
- Restoring balanced jaw movement, helping the joint open, close, and track more evenly
- Supporting long-term tolerance, so everyday activities like chewing and talking place less stress on the joint
TMJ Patient Case Study | Jaw Pain Linked to Neck & Postural Stress
Patient info: Adult patient in their late 30s to early 40s, working a desk-based job and spending extended hours at a computer.
Symptoms: Jaw tightness with clicking during opening and chewing, frequent headaches, facial tension, and stiffness through the neck that worsened with desk work and daily activities.
Root cause analysis: Evaluation focused on jaw movement patterns, cervical spine mobility, posture, and muscle tension. Findings showed restricted neck motion and postural stress contributing to altered jaw coordination and increased muscular strain rather than a single jaw injury.
Treatment plan: Care followed a conservative, exam-driven chiropractic approach. The plan emphasized gentle cervical spine care, addressing movement restrictions, reducing muscular tension, and improving posture. Progress was monitored through reassessment to guide care decisions rather than using a fixed timeline.
Outcome, results: As care progressed, the patient reported reduced jaw tension and clicking, fewer headaches, and improved neck mobility. Daily activities such as eating, talking, and desk work became more comfortable with less recurring strain.
TMJ Patient Testimonials & Reviews
TMJ Treatment Specialists in Chicago
Dr. Grossman treats TMJ-related jaw pain in Chicago with a focus on careful assessment, conservative techniques, and patient education to support long-term jaw function. At Chiropractic Chicago, care is centered on understanding movement patterns and addressing contributing factors rather than isolated symptoms.
Book Complimentary Consultation for TMJ Treatment in Chicago
If jaw pain, clicking, or tension is affecting your comfort or daily routine, an evaluation can help clarify what may be contributing to the issue. We take time to review your findings, answer questions, and explain appropriate next steps without pressure. Call (312) 248-3002 or Book Online using the booking tool below:
TMJ Treatment FAQs
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder involves dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects the jaw to the skull. This joint works in coordination with the cervical spine, facial muscles, and nervous system. When movement, alignment, or muscle balance is disrupted, the joint can become irritated, restricted, or painful over time.
Understanding TMJ vs. TMD
TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is a broader term describing conditions that affect the joint, surrounding muscles, and jaw movement patterns. In clinical practice, both terms are commonly used to describe jaw-related pain, clicking, or limited motion.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Jaw Pain and Clicking Sounds: TMJ symptoms can include jaw pain, tightness, or clicking during opening or chewing, often influenced by posture and daily habits.
- Headaches, Ear Pain, and Facial Pain: Some patients experience headaches, ear discomfort, or facial pressure related to jaw and upper neck strain.
- Jaw Locking and Difficulty Chewing: Jaw locking, limited opening, or difficulty chewing tougher foods may occur as joint mechanics become restricted.
Chiropractic Techniques Used for TMJ Treatment
- Jaw and Cervical Spine Adjustments: Care may include gentle jaw and cervical spine mobilization or adjustments aimed at improving coordination and movement quality.
- Soft Tissue and Muscle Therapy: Soft tissue approaches may be used to reduce tension in facial, jaw, and neck muscles based on exam findings and comfort.
- Postural and Lifestyle Corrections: Postural and lifestyle guidance supports long-term balance by reducing repetitive strain patterns that affect the jaw.
Techniques are selected based on comfort and clinical findings.
Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Mild TMJ symptoms may improve if the contributing stress is temporary. However, when jaw pain is linked to posture changes, muscle imbalance, or neck involvement, symptoms often persist or recur without addressing those underlying factors.
What Results Can You Expect from TMJ Treatment?
Results vary based on how long symptoms have been present and what factors are involved. Many patients notice reduced jaw tension or improved movement first, followed by better comfort with daily activities over time.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
TMJ treatment timelines differ. Some patients respond within a few weeks, while chronic or long-standing cases may require a longer period of care. Progress is guided by symptom response and movement improvement rather than a fixed schedule.
Can chiropractic care replace a mouth guard?
Chiropractic care and mouth guards serve different purposes. Chiropractic treatment addresses jaw, neck, and movement mechanics, while mouth guards help manage tooth wear or nighttime clenching. Some patients use both, depending on their situation.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
TMJ treatment is generally gentle and adapted to comfort levels. Techniques are chosen to reduce joint and muscle strain rather than force movement, and care is adjusted if sensitivity is present.
Do I need imaging before starting TMJ treatment?
Imaging is not always required. A physical exam and movement assessment are often sufficient to begin care. Imaging may be recommended if exam findings suggest structural concerns or if symptoms are not responding as expected.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
TMJ treatment uses conservative, non-invasive techniques tailored to the individual. Ongoing reassessment ensures care remains appropriate as symptoms and tolerance change.
How TMJ Disorder Affects Daily Life
TMJ dysfunction often impacts more than just the jaw. Ongoing joint and muscle strain can affect daily function in several ways:
- Difficulty chewing or prolonged eating, especially with tougher foods
- Jaw fatigue or soreness with talking, presentations, or phone use
- Disrupted sleep, often due to nighttime clenching or jaw tension
- Headaches or facial pressure, linked to jaw and upper neck strain
- Neck stiffness and reduced concentration, especially during desk or screen work
These effects often compound over time, making early evaluation important.
When Should You Seek TMJ Treatment?
Consider evaluation if jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, or facial tension persist, worsen, or interfere with eating, speaking, sleep, or daily activities
