TMJ Disorder Care in Thunder Bay
Find Relief from Jaw Pain and TMJ Issues
At Port Arthur Chiropractic Centre, we help people in Thunder Bay find lasting relief from the discomfort and frustration of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders — often called “jaw pain.” Whether you’re noticing clicking, difficulty opening your mouth, or jaw tension, we take a whole-body approach to uncover and address the underlying cause.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull, working with muscles, ligaments, and nerves to let you talk, chew, and yawn comfortably. TMJ disorders occur when there’s a problem with these joints, surrounding muscles, or related nerves.
- Nighttime clenching or grinding
- Neck misalignments or tension
- Stress-related muscle tightness
- Poor posture
- Direct jaw injury
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping when opening your mouth
- Limited movement
- Tension headaches
- Ear discomfort
- Jaw that “pulls” to one side
How We Diagnose TMJ Problems
We look beyond the jaw, assessing your neck, shoulders, and posture. A TMJ evaluation may include gentle palpation, range-of-motion checks, neck alignment assessment, and collaboration with your dentist if clenching or grinding is an issue.
Our approach focuses on restoring normal motion, easing muscle tension, and calming irritated nerves. Care may include gentle adjustments to the neck and jaw, targeted acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, and at-home exercises for stress and posture support.
Why Chiropractic for TMJ?
Because the jaw works in harmony with the neck, shoulders, and posture, our care addresses all contributing areas for more complete and lasting results.
Self-Care Tips
- Avoid gum and hard foods during recovery
- Manage stress
- Follow your exercises consistently
- Seek care early — chronic TMJ often takes longer to resolve
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders can be triggered by a variety of factors, including jaw clenching or teeth grinding, misalignments in the neck, stress-related muscle tension, poor posture, or direct injury to the jaw joint.
Can chiropractic care really help TMJ pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care takes a whole-body approach, addressing not only the jaw but also the neck, shoulders, and posture to relieve tension, restore motion, and reduce nerve irritation.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Many patients notice relief within a few visits, but recovery time depends on how long the condition has been present and whether there are contributing factors like clenching or poor posture.
Will I need to see a dentist as well?
In some cases, yes. If teeth grinding or clenching is part of the problem, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard to protect your teeth and reduce jaw strain while you sleep.
Can TMJ pain go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest and self-care, but ongoing or worsening symptoms often require professional attention to prevent the problem from becoming chronic.
Ready to Make a Change?
You don’t have to live with jaw pain and discomfort. Take the first step toward relief today by booking a visit with Port Arthur Chiropractic Centre. We’re here to help you feel better naturally and get back to living comfortably.
