Chiropractor for TMJ and Jaw Pain in Milwaukee, WI

Jaw aching, clicking, or tight from clenching? Let’s look for what’s behind it.

Trusted, personal care in neighborhood clinics throughout Greater Milwaukee.

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Understanding TMJ and TMD

What is TMJ disorder?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. You have one on each side.2,3 People often say “TMJ” when they mean jaw pain.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of more than 30 conditions. They affect the jaw joints and the muscles that move your jaw.2 Pain in the chewing muscles or the joint is the most common sign.2

The good news: many TMD problems are short-lived and go away on their own.2 The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) recommends simple, conservative care first.2

4.8%

of U.S. adults, about 11.2 to 12.4 million people, had jaw joint pain that may be TMD in 2017–20181

About 2×

as common in women as men: 6.2% of women vs. 3.2% of men in 2017–20181

Up to 40%

of people with TMD signs and symptoms may see them go away on their own1

Symptoms

TMD symptoms: what you may notice

TMD can feel like a dull ache, a tired jaw, or a sharp twinge when you chew. Clicking or popping without pain is common and normal. It doesn’t need treatment on its own.2

  • Pain

    Jaw pain or tenderness

    Aching in one or both jaw joints, or in the chewing muscles of your cheeks.2,3

  • Sounds

    Clicking or popping

    Clicking, popping, or grating when you open or close your mouth.2

  • Chewing

    Pain when chewing

    Chewing hurts, or your jaw gets tired quickly.3

  • Motion

    Stiff or locking jaw

    Your jaw feels stiff, or catches or locks so it’s hard to open or close.2,3

  • Ear

    Pain in and around the ear

    An ache near your ear. Some people notice ringing in the ears.2,3

  • Face

    Aching face

    Pain that spreads across your face or into your neck.2

  • Head

    Headaches

    Head pain, often at the temples.3,5

  • Neck

    Neck and shoulder tension

    Tight, sore muscles in your neck and shoulders.3,5

  • Bite

    Bite feels different

    A change in how your upper and lower teeth fit together.2

  • Teeth

    Tooth pain with jaw tenderness

    Teeth ache along with a sore jaw. A dentist should check tooth pain.3

Headaches are a big part of your jaw pain? See headaches and migraines. Stiff, sore neck? See neck pain.

When to seek medical care first

Most jaw pain isn’t an emergency. But jaw pain can be a sign of a heart attack, an infection, or a broken or dislocated jaw. Those need medical care before chiropractic care.6,7,8

Call 911 if jaw pain comes with:

  • Chest pain, pressure, or tightness. It may be a heart attack.6
  • Shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness6

Get medical care right away if:

  • Your jaw is locked open or closed, or you can’t open or close your mouth all the way3,7
  • Your face, cheek, or neck is swollen and you have a fever. It may be an infection.8
  • You have swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing8
  • After a blow to the face, your bite feels off or your teeth don’t line up. Your jaw may be broken or dislocated.7

See your dentist if:

  • You have a toothache, especially a throbbing one that spreads to your jaw, neck, or ear8
Causes

What causes TMJ and jaw pain?

In most cases, the exact cause of TMD isn’t clear. Research points to a mix of genes, stress, and how each person feels pain.2 Things linked to jaw pain include:3,5

Tight, overworked jaw muscles Clenching or grinding Disk problems in the joint Arthritis in the jaw joint A blow to the jaw Stress

Research does not support the idea that a “bad bite” or braces cause TMD.2 Jaw pain after a crash? See car accident injuries.

What can raise your risk

Clenching, grinding, and jaw habits

Clenching or grinding your teeth, chewing gum, biting your nails, or chewing on pens or ice can strain your jaw.3,5

Stress and sleep

Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep are linked to TMD. Stress can also make you tense your jaw without noticing.3,5

Being a woman

TMD is about twice as common in women as in men.1,2

Arthritis, injury, and other conditions

Arthritis, a past jaw injury, and conditions like fibromyalgia can raise your risk.3

Habits like poor posture and daytime clenching can make jaw pain worse.5 If you spend long hours at a screen, see posture for tips on forward head posture.

Types of TMD

Common types of TMD and who can help

Jaw pain can start in the muscles, the joint, or both. Use this guide as a starting point, not a diagnosis.2,3

Many people with TMD have more than one type. Your dentist is an important part of your care team.

TypeWhat’s going onWhat you may noticeWho can help
Jaw muscle painTight, sore chewing muscles, often tied to clenching or stress3,5Aching in the cheeks or temples, a tired jaw, pain that spreads to the face or neck2Hands-on muscle care and jaw exercises. A dentist can check for grinding.
Disk problems in the jointThe small disk in the joint wears down or moves out of place3Clicking or popping, and sometimes a jaw that catches or locks2Painless clicking usually needs no treatment. A dentist can check painful clicking or locking.2
Jaw joint arthritisArthritis wears down the cartilage in the joint3Stiffness, grating sounds, pain when chewing2,3Your dentist or medical doctor. Gentle movement may help comfort.
Jaw injuryA blow or other impact damages the joint3Pain and swelling. A bite that feels off after a blow needs urgent care.7Medical care first, then follow-up care for comfort
Clenching and grindingSqueezing or grinding your teeth, awake or asleep5A tight jaw in the morning, headaches at the temples, worn teeth3,5Your dentist for a night guard. We can help with habits and muscle tension.
Your care

How chiropractic care helps TMJ and jaw pain

Your chiropractor for TMJ starts by listening: when your jaw started hurting, what makes it worse, and how it affects eating, sleep, and work. Then your doctor checks how your jaw opens and closes, how your neck moves, and where your muscles are tender. X-rays are taken only if your exam calls for them.

Our care focuses on the jaw and neck muscles, how the joints move, your comfort, and daily habits. We don’t change your bite or realign your jaw. Your dentist handles bite guards, night guards, and dental causes.

If anything needs medical or dental care first, your doctor will tell you and help you get it. Then your doctor talks through care options with you, and you decide what’s right for you.

Care is natural and drug-free, designed around your jaw, your medical history, your daily life, and your goals.

Start with simple, reversible care

NIDCR recommends conservative care first, such as soft foods, heat or cold, and easing habits like clenching. Treatments that permanently change your teeth or bite lack evidence and can sometimes make things worse.2

What the research says about hands-on care for TMD

The evidence is limited. One large review found mostly small to moderate benefits from hands-on care and exercise, but the studies were low quality.9 A smaller review found hands-on care eased pain and helped mouth opening, with longer gains when paired with exercise.10

What your care may include

Good to know

If you don’t want an adjustment

Say so, and your doctor won’t adjust you. Gentle muscle work, gentle joint movement, and exercises are other options. You choose your care.

Hands-on

Gentle muscle work

Gentle work on tight chewing muscles, the temples, and the neck and shoulders, where jaw tension often spreads.

Gentle option

Gentle joint movement

Slow, controlled movements to help your jaw and neck move more easily. For a stiff neck, spinal adjustments are an option too.

Home care

Jaw exercises and a relaxed jaw

Simple stretches and a resting position: tongue on the roof of your mouth, teeth apart, jaw relaxed.4

Daily life

Habit and comfort tips

Soft foods, heat or ice, skipping gum, and catching daytime clenching. Small changes can ease the load on your jaw.2,4

Select clinics

Massage therapy

For jaw and neck muscle tension. Available at our Hales Corners and Oconomowoc clinics.

Select clinics

Physical therapy

Available at our Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, and West Allis North clinics.

Team care

Working with your dentist

Your dentist handles night guards, bite concerns, and tooth problems. We’re glad to work alongside them.

Recovery

How long does TMJ pain last?

It varies. Some people feel better in a week or two, while others need longer care.5 TMD symptoms sometimes go away without treatment.4

For many people, jaw pain comes and goes over time.1 Learning what sets it off, like clenching or stress, can help you manage flare-ups. If your jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness doesn’t improve, get it checked.5

51%

of people with new TMD in one study no longer had it six months later.1

Insurance and your first visit

Care that fits your coverage

We’re in-network with most insurance plans, including Medicare, and our team can check your benefits before you come in. No insurance? New patients can start with the $29 first visit.

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  • Workers’ compensation
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Your first visit

What to expect at your first visit

  1. Share your story

    Your doctor asks when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, your daily activities, and your goals.

  2. Get a thorough exam

    Your doctor checks how your jaw opens and closes, how your neck moves, and where your jaw, face, and neck muscles are tender. X-rays are taken if needed.

  3. Talk through your options

    Your doctor explains what they found and walks you through care options. You decide what's right for you.

  4. Begin care at your next visit

    Treatment begins at visit two. In acute cases, your doctor may decide same-day treatment is appropriate.

You'll see the same doctor as your care continues, so the person treating you knows your history and your progress.

Your care team

Meet Milwaukee chiropractors who treat jaw pain

These doctors bring backgrounds that fit patients with TMJ and jaw pain.

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[One or two sentences on this doctor’s background with TMJ and jaw pain.]

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[Doctor name], DC

DC · [Clinic]
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[One or two sentences on this doctor’s background with TMJ and jaw pain.]

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[Doctor name], DC

DC · [Clinic]
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[One or two sentences on this doctor’s background with TMJ and jaw pain.]

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Meet your care team
Why Milwaukee trusts us

Trusted by Greater Milwaukee since 1982

Personal care in neighborhood clinics, with more than 1,400 five-star Google reviews from real patients.

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Patients cared for
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Five-star Google reviews
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Winners and finalists, including our doctors and practices before they joined us. See every award, with sources

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about TMJ and jaw pain

It may help. Hands-on care for the jaw and neck muscles may ease pain and help your jaw open more easily. Your doctor checks how your jaw and neck move and where muscles are tight. Research on hands-on care for TMD is limited but somewhat encouraging, especially when paired with exercise.

TMJ is the jaw joint itself. You have one in front of each ear. TMD, or temporomandibular disorders, is the name for conditions that cause pain or trouble moving the jaw. Many people say “TMJ” for both.

Clicking often comes from the small disk inside the jaw joint. Clicking or popping without pain is common and normal, and it doesn’t need treatment. See your dentist or a provider if clicking comes with pain or your jaw catches or locks.

Yes. Clenching or grinding, awake or asleep, can leave your jaw tight and sore. It can also cause headaches at the temples. Stress often plays a part. Your dentist can check for grinding and talk about a night guard.

No. We don’t change your bite or realign your jaw. Research doesn’t support the idea that a bad bite causes TMD. Our care focuses on muscle tension, how your jaw and neck move, comfort, and habits.

Ask your dentist. Night guards protect your teeth and may help with clenching. Evidence that they ease pain is limited. Dentists fit night guards and check for dental causes, and we’re glad to work alongside them.

It can. TMD can cause headaches, ear pain, and neck and shoulder tension. If headaches are your main concern, see our headaches and migraines page. For a stiff neck, see our neck pain page.

Often, yes. Many TMD problems are short-lived. Up to 40% of people may see their symptoms go away on their own. For others, pain comes and goes. Simple self-care is the recommended first step.

Call 911 if jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or a cold sweat. It may be a heart attack. Get care right away if your jaw locks, your face swells with a fever, or your bite changes after a blow.

Tell your doctor and they won’t adjust you. Gentle muscle work, gentle joint movement, and jaw exercises are other ways to care for jaw pain. Your doctor explains the options, and you decide what’s right for you.

Often, yes. Same-day appointments are available at many of our clinics, depending on the day and each clinic’s hours. Call your nearest clinic or request an appointment online to check today’s openings. Your first visit is for your consultation and exam, and treatment typically begins at your next visit.

Usually not. Your first visit is for listening, a full exam, and X-rays if needed. Treatment begins at visit two. In acute cases, your doctor may decide same-day treatment is appropriate.

No referral is needed. Some insurance plans may require one for full benefits. Our team checks your plan when you verify your insurance and lets you know before your visit.

Eligible new patients can request a first visit for $29, including a consultation, an exam, and X-rays if needed. The offer requires requesting an appointment online and a visit within five business days. Medicare and Medicaid patients aren’t eligible.

Chiropractic Company has 20+ neighborhood clinics across Greater Milwaukee, and every one offers chiropractic care for TMJ and jaw pain. Find a location close to your home or work.
Milwaukee-area chiropractic clinics near you

Find TMJ and jaw pain care near you: 20+ locations

Every clinic offers chiropractic care for TMJ and jaw pain, close to home or work.

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Keep reading
Article

Why Does My Jaw Click or Pop?

Jaw clicking without pain is common and usually needs no treatment.

Article

TMJ Symptoms: What a TMJ Disorder Feels Like

TMJ symptoms include jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, and ear or temple aches.

Related conditions

Headaches and migrainesNeck painPostureCar accident injuriesWhiplash

Related services

Patient resources

Sources

  1. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Individual and societal burden of TMDs. In: Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2020. Chapter 3.
  2. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). TMD (temporomandibular disorders).
  3. Mayo Clinic. TMJ disorders: Symptoms and causes.
  4. Mayo Clinic. TMJ disorders: Diagnosis and treatment.
  5. Cleveland Clinic. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
  6. Mayo Clinic. Heart attack: Symptoms and causes.
  7. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Broken or dislocated jaw.
  8. Mayo Clinic. Tooth abscess: Symptoms and causes.
  9. Armijo-Olivo S, Pitance L, Singh V, et al. Effectiveness of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for temporomandibular disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical Therapy. 2016;96(1):9–25.
  10. Herrera-Valencia A, Ruiz-Muñoz M, Martin-Martin J, et al. Efficacy of manual therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders and its medium- and long-term effects on pain and maximum mouth opening: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(11):3404.
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