TMJ

DSM Core Chiropractic + Pain Therapy specializes in treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which can cause pain in the jaw joint located in front of the ear. Chronic TMJ pain is the more common presentation and can result from activities such as grinding, clenching, or prolonged gum chewing, leading to asymmetric muscle tension in the jaw and face, deviation of the jaw when opening and closing the mouth, and popping or grinding sounds during chewing. Sudden onset TMJ pain can occur after forceful chewing, a large yawn or bite, or trauma to the face/jaw, often accompanied by a "pop" when attempting to open or close the mouth. Proper evaluation and treatment of TMJ pain must also consider the involvement of the neck, as many of the muscles involved in jaw function share attachments in the cervical spine. At DSM Core, we provide specialized care to effectively evaluate and treat TMJ dysfunction, including a focus on the related neck muscles, to achieve long-lasting results.