Are you dealing with jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or difficulty chewing? You might be experiencing TMJ dysfunction, a condition we frequently support patients with at Zeal Integrated Health.
Let’s take a look at what causes TMJ issues, how chiropractic care can help, the role of posture and stress, and how real patients are finding lasting relief.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
What Are the Common Causes?
Many people don’t realize how everyday habits can contribute to TMJ problems. In our practice, we frequently see cases caused by clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth (often stress-related), poor posture from extended screen time, previous trauma such as whiplash or dental procedures, and joint degeneration from arthritis. Bite misalignment may also place uneven pressure on the joint, worsening symptoms over time.
How Chiropractic Care Brings Relief
Chiropractic care is safe, drug-free, and highly individualized. Here’s how we help relieve jaw pain and restore function:
- Gentle mobilization to improve joint alignment and motion
- Soft tissue therapy to release tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Neck and upper back adjustments to improve the mechanics
- Stretching and strengthening exercises tailored for the jaw and cervical spine
- Guidance on avoiding habits like nail biting or gum chewing that aggravate symptoms
Why Posture and Stress Matter
Forward head posture puts excess strain on the area, often worsening TMJ pain. Likewise, stress may lead to unconscious clenching or bruxism, increasing pressure on the joint. That’s why our care approach includes postural coaching and stress management tools. From workstation ergonomics to breathing techniques, we work together to reduce the daily factors contributing to your dysfunction.
Emily’s Story: Finding Relief From TMJ Pain
Emily, a 36-year-old graphic designer from Springfield, came in with daily jaw pain, frequent headaches, and clicking sounds while chewing. She had tried night guards and medication without success. We used the Proadjuster 360 for gentle jaw and neck adjustments, along with soft tissue therapy and posture coaching. Within four weeks, her pain had reduced by 70%, and her headaches were nearly gone. After two months, Emily was pain-free and medication-free—and back to enjoying meals and work without discomfort.
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
TMJ dysfunction doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Whether it’s posture, stress, or joint misalignment causing your discomfort, there’s a path to relief. Through focused chiropractic care, you can feel better naturally—and stay that way.
The first step is to contact Zeal Integrated Health today to schedule your evaluation with one of our Springfield chiropractors.