Care for TMJ Issues in O’Fallon
Jaw pain can feel like a minor irritation at first: a click when you chew, or a tired feeling at the end of the day. Then it grows into something that distracts you, such as a nagging pull near the ear or a tension headache that won’t quit. That’s the reality of TMJ problems—they start subtly, but can affect how you talk, how you eat, and even how you sleep.
What TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Pain Really Means
Right where your lower jaw meets the skull are tiny joints that handle a lot of motion. These temporomandibular joints let you open wide for a big laugh or close just enough for a bite of your favorite sandwich. When those joints or the muscles around them are out of sync (whether from daily habits like clenching at night or from neck stress), discomfort follows. You might hear clicking, feel stiffness, or notice headaches and neck soreness that seem unrelated at first glance.
Those who work long hours in O’Fallon, text frequently, or grind their teeth often will tell you it feels like pressure building up day after day. You don’t have to live with that.
How We Evaluate Joint Function
We start by listening to you at Back Pain Center. You tell us what you feel—when it hurts, what makes it better or worse, even how it affects your day. Next, we examine how your jaw, neck, and upper spine work together. A misaligned neck or a tight muscle in that area can throw everything off. Instead of just treating symptoms, we focus on motion. We assess joint movement and muscle tension with gentle, hands-on techniques.
Care That Brings Lasting Ease
Your treatment is carefully tailored, combining gentle joint work with muscle release techniques to relieve tension, improve jaw movement, and reduce strain in surrounding areas.
You might notice improvements in how wide you can open your mouth without pain or how your head feels at the end of a long workday. People may find that their headaches fade, their jaw feels looser, and eating becomes more comfortable.
Signs You May Benefit From Care
If you notice any of the following, you might want to give us a call:
- Jaw clicking, popping, or stiffness
- Frequent tension headaches, especially after eating or talking
- Ear or face soreness without an infection
- Neck tightness that doesn’t go away
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my headaches improve with care?
How long until I notice results?
Ready To Feel Jaw Comfort Again?
Stop letting jaw pain limit your day. Relief is possible, and it starts with an evaluation that respects how your body really works. Contact us today to book an appointment.
