TMJ and Neck Pain: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic Solutions for Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Neck Tension in Fairfax, VA
If you experience jaw pain, headaches, or neck discomfort, you may be dealing with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, a condition that affects the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorder often occurs alongside neck pain due to the close anatomical and neurological connection between your jaw and cervical spine.
At Ultimate Spine Health & Chiropractic in Fairfax, VA, we provide comprehensive chiropractic care that addresses both TMJ dysfunction and neck pain to help restore comfort, function, and quality of life—without surgery or medications.
Understanding TMJ and Its Link to Neck Pain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body, enabling you to chew, speak, and yawn. TMJ disorder refers to a range of conditions that cause dysfunction or pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty opening the mouth fully
Headaches or migraines
Earaches or ringing in the ears
Facial pain or swelling
Because the TMJ is located near the base of the skull and closely connected to the cervical spine (neck region), TMJ dysfunction frequently correlates with neck pain, stiffness, or muscle tension.
Why Do TMJ Problems Cause Neck Pain?
The jaw and neck share complex musculoskeletal and neurological connections. The muscles that control jaw movement also attach to the skull and upper cervical vertebrae. When TMJ dysfunction occurs, it often causes:
Muscle spasms or imbalances in the neck and upper back
Misalignment of the cervical vertebrae
Irritation of the nerves that travel between the jaw and neck
Postural changes as you unconsciously compensate for jaw pain
All these factors can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, or even tension-related migraines.
Common Causes of TMJ and Neck Pain
Understanding the causes of TMJ and neck pain is key to effective treatment. Some common causes include:
Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), often related to stress
Poor posture, especially forward head posture from prolonged screen time or desk work
Trauma or injury to the jaw or neck (e.g., car accidents, sports injuries)
Arthritis or degenerative joint disease affecting the TMJ
Dental issues or misaligned bite causing uneven jaw stress
Muscle tension or imbalance from repetitive motions or stress
How Chiropractic Care Helps TMJ and Neck Pain
While dental specialists often manage TMJ with mouthguards or dental corrections, chiropractic care addresses the musculoskeletal and nervous system components, focusing on the root causes of TMJ dysfunction and neck pain.
At Ultimate Spine Health & Chiropractic, Dr. Ray Park uses the Gonstead chiropractic method, a precise technique focused on spinal alignment and nerve function. Here’s how chiropractic care can help:
1. Correcting Cervical Spine Misalignments
TMJ dysfunction is frequently associated with misalignments in the neck vertebrae. These misalignments cause muscle imbalances and nerve irritation, which contribute to jaw pain and dysfunction.
Gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment and motion to the cervical spine, helping to:
Reduce nerve irritation
Relieve muscle tension and spasms
Restore balanced posture and biomechanics
2. Balancing Muscle Function
Chiropractic care helps normalize the function of the muscles that support both the jaw and neck. Through adjustments and supportive therapies such as dry needling or myofascial release, chiropractic helps relax tight muscles and strengthen weakened ones.
Balanced muscle function reduces stress on the TMJ and cervical spine, decreasing pain and improving jaw mobility.
3. Improving Nervous System Communication
Because the TMJ and cervical spine share many nerve pathways, restoring spinal alignment helps reduce nerve interference. This improved communication between your brain and muscles allows your body to regulate pain and function better.
4. Posture Correction and Lifestyle Guidance
Chiropractic care includes evaluating and correcting posture, which plays a major role in TMJ and neck pain. Poor posture—like forward head posture—puts excessive strain on the jaw and neck muscles.
Dr. Park will provide:
Postural assessments
Ergonomic advice for work and daily life
Exercises and stretches to support proper alignment and reduce muscle tension
What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment for TMJ and Neck Pain
Your first visit will involve a thorough evaluation including:
Detailed medical and symptom history
Physical exam focusing on jaw range of motion, neck mobility, and posture
Imaging studies (X-rays) if necessary to assess spinal alignment and jaw structure
Treatment sessions typically include:
Precise Gonstead chiropractic adjustments focused on the cervical spine
Soft tissue therapies such as dry needling or manual muscle release
Guidance on at-home exercises and posture improvements
Regular monitoring of progress with follow-up adjustments as needed
Most patients notice gradual improvement in pain levels, jaw function, and neck mobility within several visits.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for TMJ and Neck Pain
Non-invasive, drug-free approach that avoids side effects of medications
Addresses root causes rather than just masking symptoms
Restores natural joint motion and nerve function
Reduces muscle tension and spasms
Improves posture to prevent recurrence
Enhances overall quality of life and function
Supporting Your Recovery: Lifestyle Tips
Alongside chiropractic care, you can support your TMJ and neck health with:
Avoiding excessive jaw movements like gum chewing or yawning wide
Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
Using heat or cold therapy to ease muscle tension
Practicing gentle neck and jaw stretches as recommended
Ensuring proper ergonomics at workstations
Maintaining good posture throughout the day
Avoiding teeth clenching or grinding; consider a night guard if advised
Why Choose Ultimate Spine Health & Chiropractic?
🎯 Focused on nerve and disc-related conditions
✅ Gonstead method = highly accurate, gentle, and effective
💬 We speak English & Korean
🙌 Hands-on care in a comfortable, welcoming environment
📍 Convenient Fairfax Location Near Burke, Oakton, Vienna, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, South Riding, Clifton, Manassas, Woodbridge, Gainesville, Haymarket, Springfield, Tyson, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Arlington, Alexandria, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
Stop Living with TMJ Pain – Start Healing Today
You don’t have to suffer from chronic jaw tension, headaches, or neck pain. Chiropractic care can restore alignment, relieve pressure, and help you feel normal again, without invasive treatments or medications.
📞 Call 571-513-7070 or
💻 Schedule An Appointment Online
