Jaw pain, clicking, and TMD
TMJ names the jaw joint; TMD describes disorders involving that joint and the muscles used for chewing. Symptoms can include jaw pain, stiffness, painful clicking, or difficulty opening the mouth. Clicking without pain is common and usually does not need treatment.
Tell your provider what happens when you chew, yawn, or talk, whether the jaw locks, and whether you also have neck discomfort or headaches. A symptom history helps guide the evaluation.
NIDCR: symptoms and diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders
An evaluation alongside your dental care
Jaw and facial pain can have several causes. A doctor or dentist may need to rule out other conditions. Tell Dr. Grant about dental assessments, previous injuries, appliances, and treatments you have tried.
At Ascent, ask whether assessment of related muscle and joint concerns is appropriate for you and how any proposed care fits with recommendations from your dentist or physician.
Conservative care and clear expectations
NIDCR recommends starting with conservative approaches because evidence for many TMD treatments is limited. Ask about the purpose, benefits, risks, and alternatives for each recommendation.
Where appropriate, Dr. Grant can discuss soft-tissue work, movement guidance, and rehabilitation for related concerns. Agree on what improvement would mean for you, such as easier chewing or more comfortable jaw movement, and when progress should be reviewed.
Request a TMJ and jaw-pain evaluation in Brookfield
Ascent Chiropractic is at 16620 W Bluemound Rd, Suite 405, Brookfield, WI 53005. Call 262-345-4166 to ask which visit to arrange, or request an appointment online. Share your dentist’s recommendations and ask about fees and benefits for the services being considered.