Chiropractor for TMJ

Find Lasting Relief from Jaw, Headache, and Neck Pain—Book Your TMJ Assessment Today

Understanding TMJ & TMD—And Why You Hurt

Are you struggling with jaw pain, clicking, or headaches that just won’t go away? You may be experiencing Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which refers to irritation or inflammation of the temporomandibular joints—the small hinges connecting your jaw to your skull. These joints, along with the surrounding jaw muscles and nerves, can cause pain around your ears, neck, or even trigger headaches and facial discomfort.

TMJ symptoms can include:

• Jaw pain or soreness
• Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
• Facial or ear pain
• Headaches and neck pain
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully

Common causes range from arthritis and injury, to teeth grinding or clenching—sometimes brought on by stress or poor posture.

Why Is the Pterygoid Muscle Tricky—and When Should You See a Chiropractor?

While you can often address tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles with simple massage techniques at home, the pterygoid muscle is a different beast altogether. This small muscle lies deeper within your jaw and sits between your cheek and teeth, making it much less accessible than its larger counterparts.

Navigating this area on your own isn’t just awkward—it requires precise pressure and a proper angle, which is challenging without professional guidance. On top of that, most people find working on the pterygoid to be more uncomfortable compared to massaging the masseter or temporalis, since it’s not a muscle that gets much attention in daily life.

If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain or difficulty reaching muscle knots by yourself, that’s a good time to consider seeing a chiropractor. They have specialized training to address the pterygoid and other jaw muscles safely and effectively. Not only can a chiropractor reach the right spots, but they can also ensure the work is done thoroughly, reducing your risk of overdoing it or triggering unnecessary soreness.

How to Massage the Masseter and Temporalis Muscles

If you’re dealing with TMJ-related jaw pain, targeted self-massage can help relieve tension in the key jaw muscles. Focusing on the masseter and temporalis can ease discomfort and improve mobility.

Massaging the Masseter

To begin, locate your masseter muscle. It’s the thick muscle on each side of your jaw that becomes prominent when you clench your teeth. To massage it:

• Place two or three fingers flat on your cheek, just along the jawline.
• Using gentle, firm pressure, press inward and slightly upwards.
• Slowly open and close your mouth while maintaining this pressure, moving your fingers along the length of the muscle.
• Work your way up or down in small increments so you can target the entire muscle.
• Perform this for several repetitions—three sets, three times daily, can be useful for ongoing relief.

Massaging the Temporalis

Next up is the temporalis, a broad, fan-shaped muscle covering the temples on both sides of your head. For this one:

• Use your fingertips or the pads of all four fingers.
• Position your fingers on your temples, above your ears.
• Apply light pressure and make small circular motions; remember the temporalis is thinner, so you don’t need much force.
• As with the masseter, gently open and close your jaw as you massage, covering the muscle area.
• Aim for three sets of this massage, three times a day, especially if you’re experiencing tightness.

These self-massage techniques can help manage TMJ pain and support the other care you receive. If discomfort persists, or you’re unsure if the pain is truly TMJ-related, consult your healthcare provider for a proper assessment and guidance.

What Home Exercises Can Help Relieve TMJ Pain?

Self-care for TMJ often includes gentle exercises at home to help ease muscle tension and discomfort around the jaw. Targeting the major jaw muscles—especially the masseter and temporalis—can help reduce pain and improve movement. Here’s how to get started:

1. Masseter Muscle Release
The masseter is the main muscle involved in jaw movement and chewing. To work on this area:

• With clean hands, place two or three fingers flat against the side of your jaw just below your cheekbone.
• Gently press inward and slightly upward.
• While maintaining this pressure, slowly open and close your mouth several times.
• Move your fingers along the length of the muscle and repeat.
• Aim for 3 sets of this exercise, up to 3 times per day if your jaw feels sore.

2. Temporalis Muscle Massage
The temporalis sits at the sides of your head, above your ears. To help relax this area:

• Use the pads of all four fingers and find the area just above your temple.
• Apply gentle circular motions, being careful not to press too hard.
• You can open and close your mouth as you massage, to help release the muscle.
• Repeat in sets of 3, several times a day.

3. General Tips for Jaw Muscle Relaxation

• Avoid clenching your teeth or chewing gum.
• Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques, as stress can contribute to tension in the jaw muscles.
• You can also try gentle stretching—opening your mouth as wide as comfortable and moving the jaw side to side, holding each movement for a few seconds.

The pterygoid muscles (located deeper inside the jaw) are more challenging to treat on your own. Releasing these muscles usually requires specialized techniques performed by a professional, so it’s best to consult your chiropractor for this part of care.

Doing these simple exercises consistently can make a noticeable difference for many people, especially when paired with other TMJ therapies. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified practitioner to rule out underlying issues.

TMJ Chiropractic Care—A Gentle, Hands-On Solution

At Scofield Chiropractic Clinic in Sudbury, we offer a precise and gentle approach to TMJ pain. Dr. Ian Nothling is specially qualified in TMJ disorders and uses targeted manual therapy to mobilize the jaw joints, relax tight muscles, and restore comfortable movement.

Your tailored TMJ treatment may include:

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments for the jaw joint
• Soft tissue therapy and massage to relieve muscle tension
• Dry needling (when appropriate)
• Guidance on at-home care, including ice therapy and exercises

Most patients notice relief after just a few sessions—without medication or invasive procedures.

How Common is TMJ?

TMJ disorders are surprisingly prevalent, affecting a significant portion of the population—especially among younger adults. While the exact number can vary, estimates suggest that about one in eight Americans are dealing with some form of TMJ discomfort at any given time.

The causes of TMJ are numerous and can include direct jaw injuries, repetitive behaviors like teeth grinding or nail biting, or underlying health conditions such as arthritis, autoimmune disorders, or even ongoing infections. Notably, many individuals who have TMJ symptoms might not even realize that it’s the source of their jaw or facial pain, or that chiropractic care can play a helpful role in managing their discomfort.

Why Choose Dr Ian Nothling for TMJ Relief?

• Over 20 years’ experience treating TMJ pain in Sudbury
• Advanced training in TMJ adjustments, soft tissue work, and dry needling
• Local reputation for thorough, compassionate care (see our patient reviews)
• Convenient appointments—call 01787 372825 to book or contact us online

“After struggling for months with jaw pain and headaches, Dr. Nothling’s approach gave me fast relief and helped me get back to normal. Highly recommend for TMJ!”
— Sarah, Sudbury

Take the First Step—Book Your TMJ Assessment

Don’t let jaw pain or headaches hold you back.

Call 01787 372825 or email scofieldclinic@gmail.com to schedule your TMJ consultation at our Sudbury clinic.

New patients welcome!