Does your jaw ache, click or lock up?
Chewing a sandwich should not hurt. Neither should yawning, talking or waking up with a sore, tired jaw. Jaw problems often come with headaches, ear pressure and a stiff neck, and they can turn eating and sleeping into a chore. At Apollo we see the jaw as one link in a chain that also includes your head, upper neck and posture, and we begin by checking how those links work together.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are the two small joints just in front of your ears that let your jaw open, close and move from side to side. When these joints or the muscles around them become irritated or out of balance, the result is often called a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. It can affect one side or both, and it ranges from an occasional click to daily pain.
Common signs include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, the face or around the ear
- Clicking, popping or grating when you open or close your mouth
- A jaw that feels stuck, tight or hard to open fully
- Discomfort when chewing
- Headaches, especially around the temples
- Neck and shoulder tightness
- Ear fullness or ringing
- Clenching or grinding the teeth, often during sleep
- Stress that keeps the jaw muscles tight
- A blow to the face, jaw or head, or a whiplash injury
- Arthritis or wear in the joint
- A small disc in the joint that slips out of position
- Habits such as nail biting, chewing gum or cradling a phone on your shoulder
What causes jaw pain?
TMJ problems often have more than one cause, because the jaw is shaped by the muscles, bones and habits around it.
The jaw hangs from the skull, and the skull rests on the atlas (C1), so the way your head and upper neck are carried can change how the jaw muscles work. Jaw pain together with chest pressure, shortness of breath or pain spreading into the arm can be a sign of a heart problem and needs emergency care right away.
How upper cervical care can help
We begin with how you carry your head. A posture evaluation with software, muscle assessments and 3D imaging of the upper neck show us whether your head sits forward or tilted, and whether the muscles on one side are working harder than the other. A head that is out of balance may leave the jaw muscles doing extra work all day.
If we find a misalignment of the atlas or axis, we correct it with light, precise adjustments that do not involve twisting or popping. Our goal is for your jaw and neck to feel more relaxed as the upper neck settles, which may mean less clenching and fewer headaches. Your dentist or oral surgeon still has an important role, for example with your bite or a night guard, and our care is meant to work alongside theirs.
Head balance and the jaw
A forward or tilted head can change how the jaw rests and closes. Our posture evaluation shows how your head sits over your shoulders.
Muscles that hold tension
Muscle assessments of the neck and shoulders show where tightness gathers, which often goes hand in hand with clenching and jaw soreness.
Alongside your dentist
Dentists and oral surgeons look after the teeth, bite and joint itself. Please keep seeing yours for things like a night guard while you work with us.
Gentle for a sensitive jaw
Adjustments are light and precise, with no twisting, cracking or popping, which suits a face, jaw and neck that are already tender.
What to expect
Day 1
Your first visit
A consultation with the doctor at the office you choose, a thorough exam, and 3D imaging of your cervical spine with our CBCT scanner. We also do a detailed posture evaluation with advanced software, neurological testing and muscle assessments.
Day 2
Your report of findings
The doctor goes over your history, your exam and posture results, your neurological findings and your 3D images with you, and explains a care plan made for you.
Ongoing
Gentle care, checked as you go
Gentle upper cervical adjustments with no twisting, cracking or popping, and regular progress checks so your plan follows how you are doing.
Why choose Apollo?
Specialized care
We focus on upper cervical chiropractic, a highly targeted and refined approach.
A plan made for you
Every patient is different. Your care plan is built around your own exam and your 3D imaging.
Gentle, with no cracking
Our methods are very gentle: no twisting, cracking or popping.
An experienced doctor
Dr. Kosta Tsakalos brings deep clinical experience and a caring, detail-oriented approach to every visit.
Every person is different, and results vary. Read what our patients say on our testimonials page.
Let us help you get started
If you are dealing with jaw pain, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kosta Tsakalos and find out whether upper cervical chiropractic care is right for you.
Related conditions we help with
- Brain Fog
- Vertigo & Dizziness
- Post-Concussion Symptoms
- Ménière’s Disease
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Tinnitus
- Ear Infections
- See every condition
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice. If your symptoms are sudden or severe, please seek medical care right away.