TMJ (Jaw Pain)

Jaw pain can turn simple things like eating, talking, or yawning into something you think twice about. Maybe your jaw clicks or pops, feels tight when you wake up, or aches by the end of a stressful day. Some people even notice headaches or ear pain that seem to come from nowhere. At Serene Chiropractic in Worcester, MA, we look at how your jaw, neck, and posture work together and help you find relief.

What’s going on?

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. Problems with this joint and the muscles around it are often called TMJ disorders. Common signs include jaw pain, clicking or popping, a jaw that feels stuck or locks, and pain that spreads to the face, temples, or ears. Because the jaw and neck are closely connected, tension in one often shows up in the other.

Common contributors

Clenching & grinding

Many people clench or grind their teeth during the day or while they sleep, which overworks the jaw muscles.

Neck & head posture

A forward head posture changes how the jaw sits and moves, which can add strain to the joint.

Stress

Stress often shows up as jaw tension. Noticing when you clench is an important first step.

How can we help?

We assess how your jaw opens and closes, along with how your neck and upper back are moving. Care may include gentle adjustments to the neck and jaw, soft tissue work for the chewing muscles, and simple exercises to improve jaw control at home. If you grind your teeth, we may suggest talking with your dentist about a night guard. Many patients find this kind of hands-on care a helpful addition to their dental care.

When to see a doctor first

Some jaw symptoms need medical attention. Call 911 or get care right away if you have:

-Jaw pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating
-A jaw that is suddenly locked open or closed
-Jaw pain after a fall or injury to the face
-Swelling, fever, or a sudden change in your bite

If you have ongoing tooth pain or a change in your bite, we may also recommend checking in with your dentist.

Eating, talking, and laughing shouldn’t hurt

Chiropractic care may be a helpful part of your plan. Learn more about how we work with adults.

Explore adult chiropractic

Still have questions?

Learn what to expect at your first visit,
which insurance plans we work with,
or meet our providers.