Got Jaw Pain or Clicking? Let’s Talk TMJ and How Chiropractic Can Help

 Got Jaw Pain or Clicking? Let’s Talk TMJ and How Chiropractic Can Help

You know that uncomfortable clicking, popping, or pain in your jaw when you chew, talk, or yawn? That’s not just annoying—it could be TMJ dysfunction, and trust me, you’re not the only one dealing with it.



Hey there, I’m Dr. Mac, your friendly neighborhood chiropractor and proud military veteran running McNamara Health & Wellness here in Wesley Chapel. I help people just like you find natural relief from jaw pain, tension, and headaches—and yes, chiropractic care can help TMJ pain more than you might think.

What Is TMJ Dysfunction, Anyway?

Let’s break it down: TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It’s the little hinge connecting your jaw to your skull, located just in front of your ears. You use it hundreds of times a day—eating, speaking, yawning, laughing.

When that joint isn’t working right—maybe from stress, jaw clenching, grinding your teeth, or an injury—it can lead to a condition called TMJ dysfunction or TMD.

Common symptoms I see in TMJ patients:

🔹 Clicking or popping in the jaw
🔹 Jaw stiffness or locking
🔹 Headaches, especially around the temples
🔹 Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
🔹 Facial pain or tightness
🔹 Neck or shoulder tension

Sound familiar? You’re not imagining things—and you’re not stuck with it forever.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve TMJ Pain

Your jaw doesn’t work in isolation. It’s connected to your head, neck, and spine. When your spine or jaw alignment is off, it can affect your bite, your muscles, and the surrounding nerves.

That’s where I come in. At McNamara Health & Wellness, I take a whole-body, hands-on approach to relieve pain and restore balance—without surgery or medication.

✅ 1. Gentle Jaw and Neck Adjustments

I use specific, low-force adjustments to align the jaw, upper spine, and skull. This reduces pressure on the TMJ and helps it move more freely.

✅ 2. Muscle Release Techniques

We use soft tissue therapy to relieve tight muscles around the jaw, face, and neck, which often contribute to TMJ symptoms.

✅ 3. Posture Correction

Forward head posture and neck strain can pull on your jaw. I’ll help you reset your posture so your jaw doesn’t have to work overtime.

✅ 4. Stress Management & Breathing Support

Tension from stress often shows up in your jaw. Chiropractic care calms your nervous system, helping you relax and stop clenching.

✅ 5. At-Home Stretching & Strengthening Tips

I’ll teach you easy jaw stretches and breathing techniques to use between visits for lasting relief.

Causes of TMJ Dysfunction We Often See

🦷 Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Often linked to stress or sleep habits
📦 Injuries or whiplash – Jaw misalignment can follow a car accident or fall
🪑 Poor posture – Especially forward head posture from phone or desk use
🧘 Stress – Clenching during the day or at night creates muscle fatigue
💤 Sleep issues – Side sleeping or improper pillows can stress the jaw joint

What to Expect at Your First TMJ Consultation

You don’t have to guess what’s going on—we’ll figure it out together.

Here’s what your first visit looks like:
1️⃣ We Chat: I’ll ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and stress levels.
2️⃣ We Assess: I’ll examine your jaw, neck, posture, and spine alignment.
3️⃣ We Adjust (Gently): If needed, I’ll perform soft, precise adjustments.
4️⃣ We Plan: You’ll get a custom care plan—including adjustments, muscle therapy, and home care.
5️⃣ We Follow Through: We’ll track your progress and adjust care as needed.

Real TMJ Relief Without the Guesswork

I see patients every week who say, “I thought I just had to live with it.” Nope. Not here. With chiropractic care, we treat the cause, not just the symptoms.

And best of all? We do it:
✔️ Without surgery
✔️ Without medication
✔️ Without painful devices or night guards

Why Choose McNamara Health & Wellness for TMJ Care?

✔️ Veteran-Owned Practice – I bring military-level precision and care to every adjustment.
✔️ Experienced in Jaw & Facial Pain Relief – This isn’t just backs and necks. We know how to help jaws too.
✔️ Gentle, Custom Adjustments – Designed for your comfort and safety.
✔️ Welcoming Environment – From your first visit, we treat you like family.
✔️ Located in Wesley Chapel Near Sam’s Club – Easy to get to and plenty of parking.
✔️ Flexible Scheduling & Insurance Accepted – We make it easy to get the care you need.

Daily Habits That Help With TMJ Pain

While adjustments help reset your body, these small changes can make a big impact too:

✅ Use heat packs on your jaw to relax tight muscles
✅ Avoid gum or chewy foods during flare-ups
✅ Practice good posture—head back, shoulders relaxed
✅ Don’t rest your chin on your hand (you’re probably doing it now, huh?)
✅ Use a supportive pillow to avoid strain at night
✅ Do daily jaw stretches—I’ll show you the easiest ones

Time to Unclench and Smile Again

You don’t have to live with jaw pain, clicking, or headaches. If your TMJ is acting up, let’s take a natural, whole-body approach to getting you feeling better—starting today.

📞 Call 813-343-1680 or visit www.lutzchiro.com to schedule your TMJ consultation with me, Dr. Mac.

Let’s get your jaw working right—so you can eat, talk, and live pain-free again.