What Causes Jaw Pain? Understanding TMD and How to Find Relief in Aventura, FL
Jaw pain, clicking, or tension can be frustrating and even debilitating. For many, these symptoms point to a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. At Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center in Aventura, FL, we specialize in helping people find relief from TMD using a natural, effective approach. In this blog, we’ll explain what TMD is, how it develops, and how you can get relief.
If you’re dealing with jaw pain or TMJ issues, check out our video below, where Dr. Doman, The Yoga Doc, breaks it all down in simple terms.
What Is TMD?
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, a condition that affects the jaw joint (TMJ) and the muscles around it. The TMJ is a hardworking hinge that lets you talk, chew, and yawn. When it’s not working correctly, you may notice symptoms like:
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Stiffness or soreness in the jaw
- Headaches or earaches
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, or face
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
How Does TMD Develop?
TMD can develop for a variety of reasons, including:
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching – Often linked to stress, this habit creates tension in the jaw muscles.
- POOR POSTURE!!! – Sitting or standing with your head forward can strain the jaw and neck muscles.
- Injury – Trauma to the face or jaw can lead to misalignment.
- Chronic Stress – Stress can tighten muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, worsening TMD symptoms.
Why TMD Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Many people brush off jaw pain or headaches, assuming they’ll go away on their own. But untreated TMD can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain or even difficulty eating or speaking. Since the jaw is so closely connected to the neck, shoulders, and head, TMD can also cause tension headaches, neck stiffness, and other widespread discomfort.
How We Treat TMD at Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center
At our Aventura clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to treating TMD. Our treatment plans may include:
- Chiropractic Adjustments – Restoring proper alignment to reduce strain on the TMJ.
- Class IV Laser Therapy – Using advanced technology to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Manual Trigger Point Therapy – Relaxing tight muscles that contribute to jaw pain.
- Posture Exercises – Improving alignment to take pressure off the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Our goal is to not only relieve your symptoms but also address the root cause of your TMD so you can live pain-free.