Jaw Pain, Clicking, and TMD: Can Chiropractic Help?

Pain or dysfunction in the jaw joint can be surprisingly disruptive. Temporomandibular dysfunction (often referred to as TMD or TMJ disorder) may cause jaw pain, clicking or locking, headaches, facial pain, neck stiffness, and even ear-related symptoms such as tinnitus or a feeling of fullness.

While TMD is often approached as a dental problem alone, growing research shows that jaw function is closely linked to the nervous system, the cervical spine, and the way the brain processes sensory input from the teeth and jaw. This is where chiropractic care can play an important role.

Understanding the Jaw as a Neurological Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most neurologically sensitive joints in the body. Research from Professor Mats Trulsson and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute has shown that the teeth and periodontal ligaments are richly supplied with sensory nerve endings that provide extremely precise feedback to the brain.

This sensory input helps regulate:

• Bite force and jaw coordination

• Muscle tone in the jaw and face

• Protective reflexes during chewing and speaking

When dental work, orthodontics, or changes in bite mechanics alter this sensory input, the brain’s control of jaw movement can change. Trulsson’s research has demonstrated that even small changes to dental contacts can influence jaw motor control and muscle activation patterns.

In some individuals, this altered sensory feedback may contribute to jaw overload, muscle tension, or reduced coordination within the TMJ system—especially when combined with neck or postural strain.

Why the Neck and Jaw Are So Closely Connected

The jaw does not work in isolation. The TMJ shares neurological connections with the upper cervical spine through the trigeminal and cervical nerve systems. This means that:

• Neck stiffness or poor cervical movement can influence jaw muscle activity

• Jaw dysfunction can contribute to headaches and neck pain

• Persistent TMD symptoms often involve both jaw and neck components

From a chiropractic perspective, this makes it essential to assess not just the jaw itself, but how it interacts with the spine, posture, and nervous system as a whole.

How Chiropractic Care May Help TMD

Chiropractic care for TMD focuses on restoring normal movement, reducing abnormal muscle tension, and improving the way the nervous system coordinates the jaw and neck.

Care may include:

• Gentle joint mobilisation or adjustment of the TMJ and upper cervical spine

• Treatment aimed at reducing muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders

• Improving cervical spine movement and posture

• Advice on habits that may overload the jaw (clenching, grinding, sustained postures)

Rather than treating TMD as a single joint problem, chiropractic care looks at the broader neuromusculoskeletal system that influences how the jaw functions day to day.

FAQs About Jaw Pain and TMD

Jaw clicking or popping is common, but it isn’t always harmless. In many cases it reflects altered movement or coordination within the temporomandibular joint rather than structural damage.

Chiropractic care may help when jaw clicking is associated with:

• Muscle tension or imbalance around the jaw and neck

• Reduced movement in the upper cervical spine

• Changes in bite or jaw control following dental or orthodontic work

By improving joint movement, reducing muscle tension, and supporting better nervous system coordination, chiropractic care can sometimes reduce clicking or help prevent it from progressing into pain or locking. A proper assessment is important to determine whether care is appropriate.

Research from Professor Mats Trulsson at the Karolinska Institute has shown that the teeth provide highly detailed sensory information to the brain. This input helps regulate jaw muscle activity and bite force.

Dental work or orthodontic treatment can temporarily alter this sensory input. In some people, the nervous system adapts quickly. In others, altered feedback may lead to increased muscle tension, changes in jaw coordination, or overload of the TMJ—particularly if there are also neck or postural issues.

This helps explain why jaw discomfort can sometimes appear even when dental treatment itself has been successful. Supporting jaw and neck function may help the nervous system adapt more comfortably to these changes.

Jaw pain can have several contributing factors, including dental issues, muscle tension, joint movement restrictions, and neck-related problems. In Winchester, it is often appropriate to start with a healthcare professional who can assess both the jaw and the neck rather than focusing on teeth alone.

A chiropractor with experience in jaw and neck conditions can assess how the temporomandibular joint, cervical spine, posture, and nervous system are working together. Where necessary, they can also advise when dental or medical referral is appropriate.

Research from Professor Mats Trulsson at the Karolinska Institute has shown that the teeth provide highly detailed sensory information to the brain. This input helps regulate jaw muscle activity and bite force.

Dental work or orthodontic treatment can temporarily alter this sensory input. In some people, the nervous system adapts quickly. In others, altered feedback may lead to increased muscle tension, changes in jaw coordination, or overload of the TMJ—particularly if there are also neck or postural issues.

This helps explain why jaw discomfort can sometimes appear even when dental treatment itself has been successful. Supporting jaw and neck function may help the nervous system adapt more comfortably to these changes.

Working Alongside Dental Care

Chiropractic care does not replace dental or orthodontic treatment when these are needed. Instead, it can complement dental care by addressing the musculoskeletal and neurological factors that influence jaw control.

This collaborative approach is particularly relevant given the research highlighting how changes in dental input can alter jaw motor behaviour. Supporting the spine and nervous system may help the body adapt more effectively to these changes.

A Thoughtful, Evidence-Informed Approach

At Winchester Spine Centre, our approach to TMD is based on careful assessment, clear explanation, and evidence-informed care. Research such as that from the Karolinska Institute helps us understand why jaw problems can persist—and why addressing the neck and nervous system often matters.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or facial tension, a thorough assessment can help determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.