Introduction
Imagine trying to open a rusty door. The hinges creak, resist, and make the whole process uncomfortable. For many people, that’s exactly how jaw pain feels—a constant struggle that turns something as simple as chewing or talking into a daily challenge. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Hi, I’m Dr. Lucas Marchand from MyChiro here in Sioux Falls. TMJ pain, or temporomandibular joint pain, is a common issue, but the good news is there are effective ways to address it. Today, I’ll share simple exercises you can do at home, explain the chiropractic techniques I use with my patients, and highlight when it’s time to seek professional help.
Understanding TMJ and Jaw Pain
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull, located right by your ears. Think of it as a busy intersection where multiple muscles, bones, and nerves meet to ensure your jaw moves smoothly. When something goes wrong—stress, injury, or tension—that intersection becomes a gridlock, resulting in pain, clicking, or even difficulty opening your mouth.
Why Does Jaw Pain Happen?
Jaw pain has many potential culprits. Stress often leads to teeth grinding, especially at night. Poor posture can misalign the jaw, while tight muscles from clenching exacerbate the issue. The main muscles involved include the masseter, which helps you chew, the temporalis on the sides of your head, and the pterygoid, a less-known but critical muscle inside your jaw. TMJ pain can stem from any one or a combination of these factors.
At-Home Techniques for Relieving Jaw Pain
Massaging the Masseter Muscle
Picture your jaw as a rope that’s knotted tight. Massaging the masseter is like slowly working out those knots. Here’s how to do it:
Find the Masseter: Clench your jaw and feel for the bulging muscle near your cheeks. That’s your masseter.
Apply Pressure: Use two fingers to press into the muscle, pushing upward. Think of this as kneading dough to release tension.
Slow Movements: Open your mouth slowly while maintaining pressure. Do this three times in one spot, then move your fingers slightly higher.
Repeat in Segments: Continue this process in three segments, each time applying gentle, consistent pressure.
This simple technique can significantly reduce tightness and improve mobility over time.
Working on the Temporalis Muscle
The temporalis muscle sits on the sides of your head, above your temples. While it’s thinner and harder to target, you can still try this:
Locate the Muscle: Feel the area above your ears where your temples are.
Massage: Use the same three-rep technique, gently pressing into the muscle and opening your mouth.
Although this muscle is more challenging to address on your own, even light pressure can provide relief.
Advanced Relief: The Internal Pterygoid Muscle
The pterygoid muscle is a hidden culprit often responsible for persistent jaw pain. Unfortunately, this one is tough to tackle without professional help.
When I work with patients, I use a latex glove to safely access the muscle from inside the mouth. By applying targeted pressure and having the patient slowly open their jaw, I’m able to release tension. This process is intense but incredibly effective, akin to removing a thorn from a wound—uncomfortable but worth the relief.
Chiropractic Adjustments for TMJ Pain
How Adjustments Work
Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore balance to the jaw joint. Think of your TMJ as a misaligned wheel on a bike. Until the alignment is corrected, the wheel can’t spin smoothly. Similarly, TMJ adjustments focus on identifying and correcting imbalances.
The Activator Technique
One tool I frequently use is the activator, a spring-loaded device designed for precise adjustments. Here’s how it works:
Assessment: I feel for which side of the jaw isn’t moving properly. Often, the jaw will deviate slightly to one side.
Adjustment: The patient tilts their head slightly while opening their mouth. I use the activator to deliver a controlled thrust to the problematic joint.
Reassessment: After the adjustment, I check for improved mobility and symmetry.
Patients often describe this process as surprisingly gentle but highly effective.
Why Chiropractic Care is Effective for Jaw Pain
The beauty of chiropractic care lies in its holistic approach. By addressing both the joints and the surrounding muscles, we tackle the root causes of TMJ pain rather than just the symptoms. This dual approach ensures longer-lasting relief and better overall jaw function.
In Sioux Falls, I’ve seen patients who’ve tried everything from night guards to painkillers with little success. With the right combination of adjustments and muscle work, we’ve been able to achieve significant improvements—often within just a few sessions.
When to Seek Professional Help
While self-care can go a long way, some signs indicate it’s time to call in the experts:
Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with exercises.
Clicking or locking of the jaw.
Difficulty opening your mouth fully.
If you’re in Sioux Falls, I’d be happy to help. At MyChiro, we offer personalized care to address TMJ issues effectively and efficiently.
Conclusion
Jaw pain may feel like a rusty hinge now, but with the right care, it can become smooth and functional again. Whether you’re trying at-home exercises or seeking professional chiropractic care, relief is possible.
If you’re in Sioux Falls and struggling with TMJ pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to MyChiro. Together, we can create a plan to restore comfort and mobility to your jaw.
Have questions? Visit our website or schedule an appointment today. Let’s get that jaw moving like it’s meant to—without the squeaks and creaks.
Have a wonderful week,
Dr. Lucas Marchand
