TMJ & Jaw Pain Relief in Fairview Park, OH
Is Your Jaw Pain Actually a Neck Issue? Discover the CHC Difference.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can be debilitating. Whether it’s a constant dull ache, sharp pain while eating, or “locking” that makes you feel stuck, jaw dysfunction affects every part of your day—from speaking to sleeping.
At CHC Physical Therapy, we look beyond the jaw. Our specialized TMJ program focuses on the strong correlating, bi-directional relationship between your jaw and your upper cervical spine (neck) to provide long-term relief and management skills, not just a temporary fix.
The Vital Link: TMJ and the Upper Cervical Spine
Many patients are surprised to learn that their jaw pain is actually being driven by their neck. The nerves that supply the jaw and the face originate in the same area as the nerves for the top three vertebrae of your neck (C1, C2, and C3).
This is known as the Trigeminocervical Nucleus. If your neck is stiff, misaligned, or under strain from “tech neck” or poor posture, it may send referred pain signals directly to your jaw.
We specialize in identifying this link. If you’ve tried mouthguards or dental splints without success, the “missing link” may well be your upper cervical mobility.
Our Approach: Manual Therapy for Lasting Relief
At CHC Physical Therapy, we don’t just give you a list of exercises and send you home. We utilize advanced manual therapy techniques to mechanically change the way your joint moves.
1. Joint Mobilization
Our therapists use gentle, hands-on pressure to “glide” the TMJ and the upper cervical joints. This may reduce inflammation, facilitate natural joint movement, and help “reset” a jaw that feels stuck or clicks during movement.
2. Soft Tissue Release
We target the masseter, temporalis, and suboccipital muscles (the muscles at the base of your skull). By releasing tension in these “trigger points,” we can instantly reduce jaw pressure and tension headaches.
3. Range of Motion Restoration
Through the McKenzie Method (MDT) and specific postural retraining, we help you regain the ability to open your mouth fully and comfortably, whether you’re yawning or enjoying a meal.
Symptoms We Treat
If you are experiencing any of the following, our TMJ and Cervical program can help:
- Clicking or Popping: Audible noises when opening or closing your mouth.
- Jaw Locking: The inability to open the mouth wide or the jaw getting “stuck.”
- Tension Headaches: Pain that radiates from the temples to the base of the skull.
- Myalgia: muscle pain- most common presentation of TMJ pain
- Arthralgia: Joint pain, may be due to chronic over-use. Ex: gum chewing, grinding teeth
Why Choose CHC Physical Therapy?
Located conveniently in Fairview Park, we serve the West Side of Cleveland with a “whole-body” philosophy. We know that your jaw doesn’t work in isolation. By treating the TMJ and the Neck as a single functional unit, we achieve faster results and learn pain management strategies.
Stop Gritting Your Teeth. Start Feeling Better.
You don’t have to live with a clicking jaw or daily headaches. Experience the power of specialized manual therapy at CHC Physical Therapy.