Jaw pain can be tiring, distracting, and frustrating — especially when it affects chewing, speaking, or sleeping. Because the jaw, neck, and upper back work closely together, TMJ discomfort often creates more than one symptom. You might notice jaw clicking, headaches, ear pressure, or tightness in your face or neck.
At Triada Health Ottawa, we offer gentle chiropractic care that supports jaw mechanics, reduces muscle tension, and improves how the head and neck move together. As a result, many people feel relief and improved function within a few visits.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to the side of your skull. When the joint or muscles around it become irritated, symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly.
Common signs of TMJ issues include:
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Pain while chewing
- Pain around the temples or face
- Headaches or migraines
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Neck stiffness
- Limited jaw opening
- Clenching or grinding, especially at night
According to the Cleveland Clinic, TMJ disorders often involve jaw muscle imbalance, joint irritation, posture strain, and stress-related habits.
Understanding what drives your symptoms helps us create a clear, tailored treatment plan.
How Chiropractic Helps TMJ Pain
TMJ discomfort rarely comes from the jaw alone. Because the jaw, neck, and upper back share muscles and nerve pathways, improving one area often helps the others.
Your chiropractor may include:
- Gentle jaw and neck mobilizations
- Soft tissue release for jaw, temple, and neck muscles
- Posture support for computer use
- Nervous system calming techniques
- Education to reduce clenching or grinding
- Optional low-force chiropractic adjustments
- Coordination with TMJ Massage when appropriate
The Mayo Clinic notes that improving joint mechanics and reducing muscle tension can help lower pain and improve jaw movement.
TMJ Symptoms Often Connect With…
Neck Stiffness & Cervicogenic Headaches
Many people feel jaw tension and neck tension at the same time. Because these areas are so closely linked, tension in one often affects the other.
Learn more about Neck Pain Chiropractic
Headaches & Migraines
Jaw tension can create pressure around the temples or forehead.
Headache & Migraine Chiropractic
Posture Strain
Forward-head posture places extra load on the jaw and upper neck. As this load increases, the jaw has to work harder to remain aligned.
Stress & Clenching
Stress often increases clenching, grinding, or jaw bracing — even during sleep.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During your visit, your chiropractor will:
- Ask about your jaw, head, and neck symptoms
- Check how your jaw moves
- Assess posture and upper-back movement
- Explain what may be contributing to your pain
- Provide treatment during your first visit
- Share home strategies you can use between sessions
Above all, our approach is gentle, supportive, and easy to understand.
⭐ Meet Our Chiropractors
| Chiropractor | Areas of Focus for TMJ Care | Techniques & Special Training | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jessie Hsieh | TMJ-related headaches, jaw tension linked to stress, pregnancy, or posture changes | Gentle cervical mobilizations, jaw muscle release, family-focused chiropractic care | Meet Dr. Jessie |
| Dr. Courteney Werner | TMJ dysfunction related to movement patterns, neck mechanics, and posture | Activator, CATS, Graston®, concussion management, orthotics, and gait assessment | Meet Dr. Courteney |
| Dr. Bell | TMJ pain connected to neck and upper-back mechanics | Diversified, Thompson, Activator Method, spine and rib mobility work | Meet Dr. Bell |
Related Services for TMJ Support
Because TMJ symptoms often involve several areas of the body, integrated care can help you improve even faster:
Book TMJ Chiropractic Care in Ottawa
If jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or clenching are affecting your comfort, our chiropractic team is here to help. Because everyone’s symptoms are different, we tailor each treatment to your needs and comfort level.
Book your appointment today or contact us by email or call 613-695-1213 to learn which chiropractor is the best fit for your needs.