Why TMJ Pain Isn’t Just About the Jaw
Jaw pain, clicking, or tension can be frustrating, especially when you’ve already tried mouthguards, massage, or stretching without lasting results. Many people assume TMJ pain starts in the jaw itself, but in most cases, it’s the surrounding joints, muscles, and posture that create the imbalance.
At Champagne Chiropractic, Dr. Solomon Champagne helps patients understand that TMJ dysfunction is rarely a problem of just one joint. By assessing how the jaw, head, and neck move together, he uncovers the true cause of restriction and helps patients find lasting relief.
How the Jaw and Neck Work Together
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to open, close, and move your mouth side to side. But this motion depends on how well the surrounding structures, especially the atlas and occiput at the top of the neck, are functioning.
When the atlas or occiput becomes restricted, it can cause a slight tilt or imbalance in the head’s position. This small change reduces space on one side of the jaw, forcing the TMJ to shift unevenly when opening or closing. Over time, this imbalance can lead to disc displacement, muscle tension, and uneven wear on the joint.
For example, if your head tilts slightly to the left, the left side of your jaw has less space to move, so the jaw naturally shifts toward the right. This creates an uneven pull that can lead to clicking, popping, or even pain that radiates into the temples or neck.
How Muscles Contribute to TMJ Pain
The muscles that control jaw movement are influenced by your posture and neck alignment. When the head sits forward or tilts to one side, the muscles on one side of the face and neck have to work harder to keep things balanced.
This can lead to chronic tension in the:
Masseter and temporalis, which can create that “band of pressure” across the skull
Pterygoid muscles, which control jaw opening and side motion
Upper cervical and suboccipital muscles, which connect the neck to the base of the skull
Over time, these overactive muscles can cause jaw tightness, headaches, ear pain, or even dizziness. The longer the imbalance remains, the more difficult it becomes for the jaw to move smoothly.
Why Many TMJ Treatments Fall Short
Many treatments for TMJ pain focus only on the jaw or teeth. Mouthguards, bite adjustments, or muscle relaxants can help with immediate tension, but they often fail to address why the jaw is under stress in the first place.
If the root cause lies in the neck or posture, these treatments provide temporary relief at best. Without correcting the upper cervical motion, the jaw continues to shift unevenly, leading to recurring pain and frustration.
That’s why Dr. Champagne’s process begins with a full-body assessment, not just looking at the jaw.
Dr. Champagne’s TMJ Protocol
At Champagne Chiropractic, Dr. Solomon Champagne has developed a unique protocol that looks at the TMJ as part of a larger system. His process combines advanced movement assessments with specific chiropractic adjustments to create long-term change.
During your Discovery Exam, Dr. Champagne will:
Evaluate posture, head tilt, and shoulder balance
Test jaw motion and strength with and without resistance
Assess for asymmetry in how the jaw opens and closes
Examine the atlas and occiput for restriction or imbalance
Deliver gentle, precise adjustments to restore normal movement
This process helps relieve strain on the jaw by addressing how the entire system moves together. Many patients experience improvement not only in jaw comfort but also in headaches, neck stiffness, and facial tension.
Signs You May Benefit from Chiropractic TMJ Care
Clicking, grinding, or locking in the jaw
Limited mouth opening (less than three fingers)
Facial or temple muscle tension
Headaches or upper neck tightness
Uneven jaw motion or shifting
Ear pressure, ringing, or discomfort
Clenching or grinding during sleep
If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to look beyond the jaw itself.
How TMJ Pain Impacts Daily Life
TMJ dysfunction doesn’t just cause pain, it can interfere with talking, eating, exercising, and even sleeping. Many people notice that their symptoms worsen during stressful times or after dental work, long hours at a computer, or intense workouts that create tension through the shoulders and neck.
By improving balance between the jaw, neck, and head, chiropractic care can help restore comfort and natural motion, allowing your body to function the way it was designed to.
The Bottom Line
TMJ pain is rarely isolated to one joint. By taking a whole-body approach and assessing how your jaw, neck, and posture work together, Dr. Champagne helps patients find relief that lasts.
If you’ve tried other treatments without success, it may be time to explore a more complete solution.
📍 Champagne Chiropractic
Inside Summit Strong
925 N Lincoln St, Denver, CO
