TMJ in Geelong

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing pain, clicking, locking, and difficulty with chewing and speaking. TMJ dysfunction affects up to 12 percent of the Australian population and is more common in women. The condition can result from jaw clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), malocclusion, trauma, stress, or poor cervical posture.

Chiropractic care for TMJ disorders focuses on restoring proper mechanics to both the jaw and the cervical spine, as these areas are closely interconnected. Your chiropractor will assess your jaw joint movement, bite alignment, cervical spine function, and the muscles of mastication including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. Treatment may include gentle TMJ mobilisation, myofascial release of the jaw muscles, cervical spine adjustments, soft-tissue therapy for the neck and shoulders, and trigger point therapy. Research in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation has demonstrated that manual therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving jaw function in patients with TMJ disorders.

Your chiropractor may also recommend stress management techniques, jaw relaxation exercises, dietary modifications to avoid hard or chewy foods during acute phases, and may coordinate with your dentist regarding splints or night guards. Many patients find that combining chiropractic care with dental management provides the most comprehensive relief. The relationship between neck posture and jaw function means that addressing cervical spine issues often leads to significant improvement in TMJ symptoms.