Jaw‑pain, locking, clicking or facial discomfort may signal issues with the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). At our Keller clinic we frequently identify factors such as:
- Misalignment of the jaw joint or disc displacement causing clicking, locking or limited opening
- Over‑clenching or teeth‑grinding (bruxism) that overloads the joint and muscles
- Neck, spine or posture misalignment transmitting stress to the jaw area
- Muscle tension in facial, neck or upper‑back regions contributing to joint strain
- Soft tissue injury or trauma to the jaw, face or neck region
- Degenerative changes in the joint, cartilage or surrounding connective tissue
How We Address TMJ Pain in Keller, TX
At our Keller‑based practice we apply a full‑spectrum, non‑surgical approach to relieve TMJ pain and restore optimal function:
Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments: Dr. Dennis James, DC, FASA uses precise alignment techniques not only on the TMJ itself, but on related cervical spine, shoulder and upper‑body mechanics contributing to the condition.
Soft Tissue & Muscle Release Therapy: We release tension in the masseter, temporalis, pterygoid and other jaw‑supporting muscles, often tight in TMJ cases.
Lifestyle, Habit & Ergonomic Coaching: We identify and modify factors like night‑time grinding, hard/chewy foods, forward‑head posture, and stressed jaw habits to support lasting recovery.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A detailed consultation with Dr. James to assess your jaw‑pain history, chewing habits, sleep/clenching patterns and posture.
Functional examination of jaw opening/closing, joint sounds (clicking/locking), muscle tension, cervical spine alignment and posture.
A personalized treatment plan tailored to your presentation, whether acute onset, chronic pain, clenching or jaw‑mobility limitation.
Ongoing monitoring of progress: tracking jaw‑mobility, pain reduction, reduction of clicking/locking and improvement in daily function.
Conditions We Treat at Our Keller Clinic
- TMJ pain, clicking/popping joint noise and locking episodes
- Jaw‑pain associated with chewing, speaking, yawning or opening wide
- Jaw‑pain or ear‑ache sensation linked to bruxism (teeth grinding) or night clenching
- TMJ‑related headaches, neck pain or upper‑back tension
- Post‑traumatic TMJ issues (following jaw‑injury, whiplash or other trauma)
- TMJ‑induced jaw‑mobility restriction or functional limitations
Why Choose Performance Chiropractic in Keller, TX?
- Located at 1135 Keller Parkway, Suite 200, Keller, TX 76248
- Lead provider Dr. Dennis James, DC, FASA, a trusted practitioner with over 20 years of experience in musculoskeletal, nerve & joint disorders
- Gentle, modern techniques that focus on root‑cause correction, not just symptom relief
- Holistic care model combining jaw/spine alignment, and lifestyle modification
- Serving Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Fort Worth and greater DFW region
Practical Tips to Support Your TMJ Recovery
Avoid chewing hard, crunchy or chewy foods and minimize gum‑chewing, give your TMJ joint a rest.
Use proper posture, especially when working at a desk or using a phone, to reduce load on your jaw and neck.
If you grind or clench at night, inquire about mouth‑guard options and integrate jaw‑relaxation exercises.
Perform gentle daily jaw movements (opening/closing, sideways motion) as prescribed to restore mobility.
Stay aware of stress, tension and habits like resting your chin on your hand, leaning into your jaw, these add strain.
If you feel new pain, locking or numbness in your jaw or face, communicate promptly so we can adjust your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ pain go away without treatment?
In some mild cases, yes, especially if the aggravating factors (chewing habits, posture, clenching) are corrected. However, when misalignment, muscle‑tension or joint strain is present, professional care provides more reliable and lasting relief.
If I have jaw‑clicking but no pain, should I still get treated?
Yes. Clicking or popping may be signs of underlying joint stress or dysfunction. Addressing it early can prevent progression into pain, locking, reduced mobility or secondary neck/head issues.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe for TMJ‑related problems?
Yes, when performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor who understands jaw mechanics, neck/spine interplay and soft tissue contribution. Care is tailored and gentle to the TMJ region and surrounding structures.
How soon will I feel improvement in my TMJ symptoms?
It depends on your history, severity of joint or muscle strain, and your compliance with home‑habits/exercises. Some patients notice relief within a few visits; others may require a longer phase of rehab for full functional restoration.
Can I prevent future TMJ flare‑ups once I’ve recovered?
Yes. Key strategies include: maintaining proper posture, avoiding jaw‑stress habits, regular jaw‑mobility exercises, managing stress/clenching, and corrective work on related areas (neck, shoulders, upper back) to keep the system balanced.