TMJ Treatment in Murrysville | How Gentle Chiropractic Can Help
TMJ problems are incredibly common, but most people don’t realize just how closely the jaw is connected to their neck, posture, and nervous system. Issues within these areas can result in jaw tension, painful clicking, jaw locking, difficulty chewing, headaches, ear pressure, and even dizziness.
At Gentle Family Chiropractic in Murrysville, we see many patients who have tried night guards, dental work, or stretching routines but still struggle with TMJ issues. In many cases, the missing piece is alignment — especially in the upper neck and jaw.
Here’s how chiropractic care can help bring everything back into balance.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that allows your jaw to open, close, and move side-to-side.
When this joint becomes imbalanced or misaligned, you may experience:
Jaw pain or tightness
Painful clicking or popping
Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
Headaches or migraines
Neck stiffness
Ear fullness or ringing
Facial pain
Dizziness or pressure in the head
TMJ issues can come from poor posture, clenching, stress, dental work, sleep position, previous injuries or a combination of these factors.
Why TMJ Problems Are Connected to the Neck
The jaw and upper neck are closely intertwined.
When the vertebrae of the neck become misaligned, the nerves that supply the muscles of the jaw can become pressured by soft tissue swelling. This can result in diminished strength on one or both sides of the jaw. This imbalance or limited nerve supply can then lead to a number of issues in and around the jaw.
This is why so many people with jaw pain also experience:
Neck tension
Head pressure
Headaches
Shoulder tightness
Supporting the neck often helps the jaw function more optimally.
How Gentle Chiropractic Care Helps TMJ Issues
At Gentle Family Chiropractic, Dr. Erik uses a precise, instrument-assisted technique that allows us to make small, controlled adjustments to the jaw, upper neck, and surrounding structures without forceful hands-on adjustments.
This approach can help:
1. Improve alignment in the upper neck
Restoring proper vertebral alignment improves blood flow and slows further joint damage.
2. Reduce tightness in the jaw muscles
Targeted adjustments balance the jaw musculature by taking the strain off the overused muscles.
3. Improve joint motion in the TMJ itself
Precise, low-force adjustments restore proper jaw mechanics.
4. Support posture and overall balance
Many TMJ patients also have forward head posture or tightness in the traps/shoulders; addressing these areas supports long-term relief.
5. Calm the nervous system
TMJ issues are often the result of pressured nerves. Alleviating the localized swelling also alleviates pressure on the surrounding nerves, allowing the muscles to function normally.
Signs You May Benefit From Chiropractic TMJ Care
You may be a good candidate for gentle instrument-based TMJ support if you experience:
Painful clicking or popping with jaw movement
Pain while chewing
Tightness in the jaw, temples, or face
Neck tension that doesn’t resolve with massage
Headaches behind the eyes or temples
Ear pressure with no infection
Dizziness that seems posture-related
Clenching or grinding, especially at night
If you find yourself massaging your jaw throughout the day or avoiding certain foods, chiropractic may be able to help.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment includes:
A full assessment of your jaw movement
Full-body spinal evaluation with an emphasis on upper neck and cranial alignment
Posture and muscle pattern analysis
Gentle, precise adjustments tailored to your specific needs
Our goal is to help your jaw, neck, and nervous system work together the way they were designed to.
Looking for TMJ Relief in Murrysville?
We’d love to help you find a solution that feels comfortable, natural, and supportive of your long-term health.
New patients can call to schedule their first visit:
📞 724-320-2003
Returning patients can schedule online:
gentlefamilychiropractic.com