What to Know About Your TMJ
Most people don’t think about their jaw until it starts to hurt. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the hinge that connects your jawbone to the skull. It’s active whenever you speak, chew, swallow, or yawn. And when it’s not functioning correctly, even small movements can feel exaggerated and uncomfortable.
Connecting Jaw Pain and Posture
Many don’t realize that TMJ function is deeply influenced by neck posture. “The muscles that control jaw movement span both sides of the face and anchor into the front and back of the neck. If they aren’t working together—because of stress, tightness, or forward head posture—the TMJ becomes vulnerable to tension, misalignment, and dysfunction,” says Dr. Swystun.
This postural distortion affects more than just the jaw. It may contribute to headaches, vertigo, shoulder stiffness, and even trigeminal nerve irritation. That’s why addressing only one area without evaluating the neck often leaves patients chasing temporary relief.
How We Approach TMJ Dysfunction
We take a comprehensive approach at Freedom Chiropractic. Our analysis is designed to locate and correct the source of the issue—whether that’s muscular imbalance, joint misalignment, or nerve interference. We begin with a thorough chiropractic assessment that may include posture screening, EMG testing, and precise Activator®-based evaluation of the entire area.
When dysfunction is identified, we apply targeted adjustments using the Activator technique. These corrections are gentle and specific, designed to:
- Restore movement in the jaw and neck without triggering more tension
- Improve the nerve communication responsible for muscle control
- Support joint stability and reduce strain on surrounding tissues
What You Can Do to Support Healing
Improving your posture at home can make a surprising difference in TMJ comfort. Since many of the muscles involved originate in the neck, correcting forward head posture helps alleviate pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
Try simple postural exercises that stretch tight muscles and strengthen underused ones. These movements retrain your body to hold your head in a more natural position. The result? Less jaw fatigue, smoother motion, and often, improved mood and energy. We’ve shared a set of these exercises on our website under Freedom Chiropractic Exercises—feel free to explore and add them to your daily routine.
Relief Without Drugs Is Possible
You don’t have to live with pain or muscle tension. With the proper care and a little support, your jaw can function freely again—no cracking, clenching, or second-guessing every bite.
Contact our office today to book your visit. A simple conversation can be the first step toward easing jaw discomfort and restoring proper function.