Can a Chiropractor Help with TMJ? Jaw Pain Relief in Saanichton
- Saanichton Chiropractic Group
- Sep 14, 2023
- 12 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) — commonly referred to as TMJ — is one of the most underdiagnosed sources of chronic jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort. Millions of people in North America live with clicking or locking jaws, morning headaches from teeth grinding, and difficulty chewing — often without realizing that the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles are the source, or that chiropractic care is an effective treatment option.
At Saanichton Chiropractic Group, we regularly assess and treat patients with TMJ disorders — combining soft tissue work on the jaw's key muscle groups, joint mobilization, cervical spine assessment, and self-management strategies to address the root cause rather than just the symptoms. Dr. Hadbavny and Dr. Murray have both completed extensive post-graduate training in TMJ assessment and treatment, going well beyond the standard chiropractic curriculum to develop the clinical skills required for complex jaw cases.
What Is TMJ / Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your lower jaw (the mandible) to the temporal bones of your skull, one on each side of your face just in front of the ears. These joints function like a sliding hinge, allowing the jaw to open, close, slide forward, and move side to side — movements required for speaking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing. The muscles of mastication (chewing) control these joints and attach to the mandible to generate the forces needed for normal jaw function.
When one or more of these joints, muscles, or the disc-like cartilage cushion inside the joint becomes irritated, inflamed, or dysfunctional, the result is a temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJD is not a single diagnosis but a spectrum of related conditions affecting the jaw joints, the muscles that control them, or both. It is estimated that over 3 million cases of TMJ disorder are reported annually in North America, with women between the ages of 20 and 40 more commonly affected, though it can occur at any age or in either sex.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorders typically have multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause. The most common drivers include:
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism) — often occurring during sleep, placing sustained high loads on the jaw joints and muscles. This is one of the most common causes of morning jaw pain and tension-type headaches.
Jaw injury or trauma — direct impact to the jaw, whiplash from a motor vehicle accident, or dental procedures that require prolonged wide mouth opening can all damage or irritate the TMJ structures.
Postural strain — sustained forward head posture (common with prolonged screen use) increases the load on the muscles that support the jaw and alters the resting position of the mandible, predisposing to TMJ muscle overload.
Muscle tension and stress — chronic psychological stress drives jaw clenching and facial muscle tension, even without overt teeth grinding. Many patients with stress-related TMJ are not aware they are clenching.
Arthritis — osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis can affect the TMJ cartilage and joint surfaces, causing pain and altered jaw mechanics.
Disc displacement — the small fibrocartilage disc inside the TMJ can shift out of its normal position, causing clicking, locking, or pain on jaw movement.
Dental misalignment — malocclusion (poor bite alignment) can create asymmetrical loading of the jaw joints and muscles over time.
Recognizing TMJ Disorder: Common Symptoms
TMJ disorder symptoms to watch for:
Jaw pain or tenderness — often worse in the morning or after eating
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty or discomfort when chewing, especially tougher foods
Locking of the jaw — difficulty opening or closing fully
Headaches, particularly tension-type headaches originating at the temples
Ear pain or a sensation of fullness in the ears without any ear infection
Neck pain and upper back tension — often related to the cervical spine dysfunction that accompanies jaw muscle tightness
Facial aching or fatigue in the cheeks and temples
It is worth noting that jaw clicking alone — without pain or functional restriction — is not necessarily a sign of TMJ disorder requiring treatment. Many people have asymptomatic jaw sounds that do not require intervention. The presence of pain, restricted motion, or headaches alongside the clicking is what typically warrants clinical assessment.
The TMJ-Neck Connection: Why Chiropractors Are Well-Suited to Treat It
The jaw and the cervical spine are functionally linked in ways that most people don't appreciate. The muscles that control jaw movement — particularly those that close and stabilize the jaw — share neurological pathways and postural relationships with the muscles of the upper cervical spine. Forward head posture, which is extremely common in the modern population, causes the jaw to sit in a more retruded (backward) position at rest, altering joint loading and increasing muscle tension. Cervical spine dysfunction — stiff joints, restricted rotation, muscle imbalances — directly affects how the jaw sits and moves.
This means that treating TMJ disorder effectively often requires addressing both the jaw itself and the cervical spine, which is exactly what a musculoskeletal chiropractor is trained to assess. A patient who receives soft tissue work on the jaw muscles and a dental splint for bruxism but still has a restricted upper cervical spine may find their TMJ symptoms persist or recur — because the underlying postural and joint mechanical driver hasn't been treated. Our approach at Saanichton Chiropractic Group assesses the full picture, including the neck and upper back, as part of every TMJ assessment.
How Chiropractic Treats TMJ Disorder
A chiropractic assessment for TMJ begins with a thorough history — understanding when symptoms started, what aggravates and relieves them, the pattern of pain and jaw sounds, any relevant dental history, sleep habits, and stress levels. This is followed by a physical assessment of jaw range of motion, muscle tenderness, joint play, and the pattern of jaw opening (deviation to one side on opening is a common clinical finding that guides treatment).
Soft Tissue Work on the Key Jaw Muscles
Three primary muscles are involved in jaw movement and are commonly tight and tender in patients with TMJ disorder. Each requires a specific approach:
The Temporalis
The temporalis is a broad, fan-shaped muscle that runs along the side of the skull from the temporal bone down to the mandible. It is one of the primary jaw-closing muscles and is frequently the source of temporal headaches in TMJ patients. Because it is broad and relatively thin, treatment uses gentle sustained pressure with multiple fingers across the full muscle while the patient slowly opens and closes the jaw — this allows the therapist to feel and release the areas of greatest tension. Referred pain from temporalis trigger points can closely mimic tension headaches and is often mistaken for a primary headache disorder.
The Masseter
The masseter is the most powerful jaw-closing muscle, running from the cheekbone (zygomatic arch) down to the angle of the lower jaw. It is the muscle that visibly bulges in the cheek when clenching the jaw. In bruxism and chronic jaw clenchers, the masseter is almost always significantly hypertonic and tender to palpation. Treatment involves direct pressure along the muscle with the patient's mouth partially open, working systematically through the trigger points that refer pain into the jaw, cheek, and teeth. Patients who have been clenching for years often report immediate relief of facial pain tension after masseter treatment — the release is often dramatic.
The Pterygoids
The medial and lateral pterygoid muscles lie deeper and medially, attaching to the inner surface of the mandible and the base of the skull. The lateral pterygoid in particular plays a critical role in forward jaw movement and disc stabilization — dysfunction in this muscle is often directly involved in disc displacement and the popping sounds associated with TMJ. Treatment of the pterygoids requires working through the cheek or along the inner border of the mandible and is the most technically demanding part of TMJ soft tissue work. Patients typically find this the most uncomfortable part of treatment, but releasing the pterygoids — particularly the lateral pterygoid — often produces the most significant improvements in jaw mechanics and clicking.
Jaw Assessment and Joint Mobilization
Following soft tissue work, the jaw is assessed for symmetry of opening and closing. In TMJ disorder, the jaw commonly deviates to one side on opening — reflecting differences in muscle tension or joint restriction between the two sides. This assessment tells the practitioner which joint to address first and what type of mobilization is appropriate. Gentle joint mobilization techniques are applied with a slight directed pressure to restore normal joint play and improve the symmetry of jaw opening. The jaw is reassessed after mobilization to confirm improved alignment and range of motion.
Cervical Spine Assessment and Treatment
As described above, the cervical spine is assessed as a standard part of every TMJ visit at Saanichton Chiropractic Group. Upper cervical joint restrictions — particularly at the C0-C1 and C1-C2 levels — are extremely common in patients with TMJ disorder and contribute to both the jaw muscle tension and the referred headache patterns. Chiropractic adjustment or mobilization of the upper cervical spine often produces immediate improvements in jaw symptoms when these restrictions are present, and it is an important part of achieving durable results rather than temporary relief.
Posture Assessment and Advice
Because forward head posture is such a common driver of TMJ symptoms — particularly in patients who spend significant time at a computer, on a phone, or in other sustained flexed-forward positions — posture assessment and workplace ergonomic advice are a routine part of TMJ management at our clinic. Small, consistent changes to monitor height, chair position, and screen placement can meaningfully reduce the postural load on the jaw and cervical spine between appointments.
Post-Graduate TMJ Training at Saanichton Chiropractic Group
TMJ disorder is one of the more technically demanding conditions in musculoskeletal practice. The jaw muscles are small, deep, and complex; disc mechanics are nuanced; and the functional relationship between the jaw and the cervical spine requires an integrated clinical approach that not every practitioner is trained in. That is why both Dr. Hadbavny and Dr. Murray have invested in substantial post-graduate training in TMJ assessment and treatment — going well beyond what is covered in the standard chiropractic curriculum.
Both practitioners are trained in intraoral and extraoral TMJ techniques, including direct intraoral assessment and treatment of the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles — the deep jaw muscles most directly involved in disc mechanics and jaw clicking. Intraoral technique requires specific post-graduate training and is not a standard part of chiropractic education; it allows more precise and effective treatment of the pterygoids than is achievable through the cheek alone, and it makes a meaningful clinical difference in cases involving disc displacement, persistent clicking, or restricted jaw opening that has not responded to conventional care.
Our registered massage therapy team is also trained in intraoral and extraoral soft tissue work on the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids — meaning patients can receive comprehensive jaw muscle treatment from both the chiropractic and RMT sides of their care, which is particularly valuable for chronic TMJ cases with high muscle guarding.
Beyond technique, Dr. Hadbavny and Dr. Murray work closely with local dentists and oral specialists to provide coordinated care for patients whose TMJ disorder involves a dental component — including malocclusion, tooth wear from bruxism, or suspected structural disc pathology. Effective TMJ management often requires both musculoskeletal and dental oversight, and we are experienced at co-managing these cases as part of a collaborative team. For a full overview of our approach, visit our dedicated TMJ and jaw pain service page.
What You Can Do at Home: Self-Management for TMJ
In addition to chiropractic treatment, the following self-management strategies help reduce TMJ symptoms between appointments:
Eat softer foods — during a flare-up, reduce the demand on the jaw by choosing foods that require less chewing. Avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods until symptoms settle.
Apply heat or ice — a warm compress over the jaw and temple muscles for 10–15 minutes can help relax muscle tension. Ice can be useful for acute inflammation immediately following a painful episode.
Practise jaw rest position — the ideal jaw resting posture is: lips together, teeth slightly apart (not touching), tongue resting lightly on the roof of the mouth. Many patients with TMJ habitually hold their teeth in contact or clench without realizing it. Practising this rest position throughout the day reduces ongoing muscle loading.
Reduce jaw-loading habits — avoid chewing gum, biting nails, chewing on pens, resting your chin on your hand, and other habits that place sustained or repetitive load on the jaw.
Manage stress — for many patients, jaw clenching is tightly coupled to psychological stress. Stress reduction strategies (exercise, breathing practices, adequate sleep) reduce the baseline level of jaw muscle tension.
Sleep position — sleeping on your side with your jaw resting on a pillow can compress the TMJ. Back sleeping or using a supportive pillow that keeps the neck neutral is preferable for TMJ patients.
When to Consider a Dentist or Oral Specialist as Well
Chiropractic care addresses the musculoskeletal and joint components of TMJ disorder — the muscles, joints, and cervical spine. It is not a replacement for dental assessment when there is a significant occlusal (bite) component, evidence of disc pathology that may require imaging, or bruxism that warrants a nightguard or splint. For many patients, the best outcomes come from a coordinated approach: chiropractic care for the muscular and joint mechanical components, combined with appropriate dental management for the bite and tooth-grinding aspects of the problem.
Dr. Hadbavny and Dr. Murray already work closely with local dentists and oral specialists for exactly this reason — co-managing patients where both musculoskeletal and dental oversight are warranted. If your TMJ disorder involves significant teeth grinding, visible tooth wear, or bite problems, we will recommend a concurrent assessment with your dentist and can help facilitate that referral. Our role is to address the musculoskeletal component of your condition as effectively as possible — and to be clear when a broader team approach will serve you better.
Dealing with Jaw Pain, Clicking, or TMJ Headaches in Saanichton?
Our team at Saanichton Chiropractic Group is experienced in assessing and treating TMJ disorder as part of a thorough musculoskeletal approach. Book an assessment and find out whether chiropractic care is the right fit for your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ and Chiropractic
Can a chiropractor actually treat TMJ, or do I need to see a dentist?
Chiropractors are well-suited to treat the musculoskeletal and joint mechanical components of TMJ disorder — the jaw muscle tension, joint dysfunction, and associated cervical spine issues that are present in most TMJ cases. A dentist or oral specialist is more appropriate when there is a significant bite (occlusal) component, tooth grinding requiring a nightguard, or suspected structural disc pathology requiring imaging. Many patients benefit from both, with chiropractic addressing the muscles and joints and the dentist managing the dental aspects. Our team will be honest with you about which approach is most appropriate for your specific presentation.
How many chiropractic treatments does TMJ typically require?
This depends on how long you have had the condition, how severe it is, and whether there are contributing factors (bruxism, posture, stress) that can be addressed alongside treatment. Acute TMJ presentations that have been present for weeks often respond quickly — meaningful improvement in 3–6 visits is common. Chronic TMJ that has been present for months or years typically requires a longer course of treatment, though most patients notice gradual improvement within the first few visits. Your chiropractor will give you a realistic timeline at your first appointment based on your assessment findings.
Why do I get headaches from my TMJ?
TMJ-related headaches most commonly arise from two sources: trigger points in the temporalis and masseter muscles that refer pain into the temple and forehead, and cervical spine dysfunction that refers pain into the back of the skull and head. Both are directly treated by the chiropractic approach described in this article. Patients with morning headaches — particularly those who wake with jaw soreness — often have bruxism as a primary driver, and a dental nightguard combined with chiropractic care is usually the most effective combination.
Is TMJ treatment at a chiropractor painful?
Soft tissue work on the jaw muscles can be uncomfortable, particularly treatment of the pterygoids and heavily hypertonic masseter muscles in patients who have been grinding for years. The discomfort is typically described as a "good" deep ache rather than sharp pain, and it subsides quickly after treatment. Patients often notice immediate relief of jaw tension following a session, even if the area is slightly tender for a day or two afterward. The jaw mobilization itself is gentle and not painful for most patients. Your chiropractor will always check in about your comfort level and adjust accordingly.
Can chiropractic help with jaw clicking and popping?
Yes — clicking and popping in the jaw is typically caused by altered disc mechanics or asymmetrical muscle tension creating an irregular movement pattern in the joint. Soft tissue release of the pterygoid muscles (which directly attach to and influence the disc) and restoration of symmetrical jaw opening mechanics through joint mobilization often significantly reduce or eliminate clicking. Clicking that has been present for many years and is associated with structural disc displacement may not fully resolve with conservative care alone, but function and pain levels can still be meaningfully improved.
What other conditions at Saanichton Chiropractic Group might help with TMJ?
Registered massage therapy can be a valuable complement to chiropractic for TMJ — our RMTs can provide additional soft tissue work on the jaw, neck, and upper back muscles that contribute to jaw dysfunction. See our massage therapy page. Acupuncture is also used for chronic jaw muscle tension and TMJ-related headaches — see our acupuncture page. For a full overview of our services, visit our chiropractic services page.
Dr. Mike Hadbavny, DC — Sports Chiropractor & TMJ Practitioner, Saanichton BC
FRCCSS(C) ICSC DC BPE — Brock University
Dr. Hadbavny is a sports chiropractor and the founder of Saanichton Chiropractic Group in Saanichton, BC. He completed his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and holds a Fellowship from the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences of Canada (FRCCSS(C)) and the International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC). He serves as team chiropractor for Pacific FC (CPL) and the Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL), and has provided chiropractic coverage at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, and the 2025 Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler. For more information or to book an appointment, visit our contact page or call 250-223-0200.
Dr. Murray, DC — Chiropractor & TMJ Practitioner, Saanichton BC
DC
Dr. Murray is a chiropractor at Saanichton Chiropractic Group with dedicated post-graduate training in TMJ assessment and treatment. He is trained in both intraoral and extraoral techniques for jaw muscle assessment and treatment — including direct treatment of the pterygoid muscles — and works collaboratively with local dental and oral health professionals for patients requiring a coordinated care approach. To book with Dr. Murray or learn more about our TMJ services, visit our TMJ and jaw pain page or contact us.
For further reading on TMJ disorders, the Mayo Clinic's guide to TMJ disorders and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provide reliable overviews of the condition and current treatment evidence.