TMJ / TMD
Jaw pain, clicking, and locking aren't just a dental problem. The TMJ shares deeply connected anatomy with the upper cervical spine and in many cases, chiropractic care and soft tissue work resolve the symptoms that splints and mouthguards never fully address.
The jaw and the cervical spine are one connected system.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body a hinge and gliding joint that's used thousands of times per day for speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) describes the broad category of problems that arise when the jaw joint, surrounding muscles, and related structures aren't functioning normally together.
What most people don't realize is how tightly the TMJ is connected to the upper cervical spine. The same muscles and fascial layers that control jaw position also attach to the hyoid, cervical vertebrae, and skull base. Upper cervical joint restrictions and myofascial tension in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles are extremely common contributors to TMD and addressing them produces real, lasting relief.
Chiropractic care doesn't replace dentistry for TMD, but for many patients, it addresses the musculoskeletal component that a splint alone can't resolve.
We work alongside your dentist
If you're already working with a dentist or oral surgeon for TMD, chiropractic care and soft tissue work make an excellent complement addressing the cervical and myofascial component while your dental provider manages the occlusal and intra-articular component. We're happy to communicate with your other providers.
The ADAPT approach to TMD
We assess the upper cervical spine, suboccipital muscles, and jaw-related musculature to identify what's contributing to your symptoms, then treat those specific structures directly. The combination of cervical adjustments and targeted soft tissue work often produces rapid improvement in patients who've been managing TMD for years without resolution.
Cervical & jaw assessment
Evaluate upper cervical mobility, posture, and jaw range of motion to map the contributing factors.
Upper cervical care
Targeted adjustments at C1–C3 to restore joint mobility and reduce nervous system tension in the region.
Myofascial release
ART® and manual release of the jaw muscles and suboccipital region to reduce the muscular compression on the TMJ.
Postural retraining
Forward head posture correction to reduce the chronic loading pattern that keeps the TMJ compressed.
Related conditions we treat
Jaw pain that your splint isn't fixing? Let's look at the full picture.
Book your cervical and jaw assessment in Coeur d'Alene — we'll identify the musculoskeletal contribution to your TMD and start addressing it directly.
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