TMD/TMJ Treatment in Charlotte
Jaw pain, clicking, or TMJ tension? Chiropractic Fitness offers hands-on, drug-free TMD relief in South Charlotte, NC. Call (704) 543-7206 to schedule.
Chiropractic care for tmd/tmj
Get to the root of your tmd/tmj
Also known as: TMJ Disorder, Temporomandibular Disorder, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, Jaw Pain
Chiropractic Fitness is proud to offer comprehensive care for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and Temporomandibular disorders (TMD). These conditions, which involve the jaw and its surrounding muscles, can cause a wide range of symptoms including pain in the face or jaw, difficulty chewing, headaches and neck pain. Our team of dedicated chiropractors are committed to providing relief from these uncomfortable symptoms with personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.
Symptoms of tmd/tmj
- ✓Pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
- ✓Difficulty chewing or biting
- ✓A clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw
- ✓Limited range of motion in the jaw
- ✓Tenderness or swelling in the jaw
- ✓Headaches or migraines
- ✓Earaches or ringing in the ears
- ✓Dizziness or vertigo
- ✓Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- ✓Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- ✓Facial swelling
Common causes
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Jaw injury or trauma to the face
- Stress and chronic muscle tension
- Poor posture straining the neck and jaw
- Misalignment of the jaw, neck, or spine
- Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
Our approach
How we treat tmd/tmj in Charlotte
- Step 1
Holistic Approach
Avoid unnecessary surgeries and illnesses by keeping your body as healthy as possible.
- Step 2
Proactive Care
Stay on top of misalignments that lead to pain and complications down the road.
- Step 3
Optimal Health
Keep your body at optimal health, prevent small issues turning into bigger ones.
The basics
Understanding tmd/tmj
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits just in front of each ear and connects your lower jaw to your skull. When that joint and its surrounding muscles become irritated or misaligned, the result is a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) — which can bring jaw pain, clicking or popping, difficulty chewing, headaches, and even neck and shoulder tension. Because the jaw, neck, and upper spine work together, strain in one area often shows up in another.
Chiropractic care offers a hands-on, drug-free way to address the mechanics behind TMD. At Chiropractic Fitness in Charlotte, gentle adjustments and soft-tissue work aim to relieve strain on the jaw joint, ease muscle tension, and restore comfortable range of motion — often alongside [neck pain](/symptoms/neck-pain/) care and [myofascial release](/services/myofascial-release-therapy/) when the muscles are involved.
TMD can be complex, and the right plan depends on what's driving it. Our goal is to find the underlying cause rather than chase the symptom, and to refer out or coordinate with your dentist or physician when your case calls for it.
Free Chiropractic Consultation
Free
Dr. Schulman will sit down and visit with you about your problem to see if we can help. If he determines that you are a candidate for chiropractic care, Dr. Schulman will explain any costs before moving forward with any evaluation or treatment.
If for any reason Dr. Schulman doesn’t think we are the right option, he can refer you to the appropriate place. This consultation is always FREE OF CHARGE.
Chiropractic Care for TMD/TMJ in Charlotte
Temporomandibular treatments restores health and vitality by providing the body with the unique exact all natural remedy it needs.
Chiropractic Care in Charlotte
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, also known as Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), are a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles. This joint is located in front of your ear and connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMD can cause a wide range of symptoms including facial pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty chewing and even earaches.
What is TMD/TMJ?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions that affect the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding muscles. TMD and TMJ disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders, difficulty chewing or biting, and a clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), jaw injury, and stress. Treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause of the disorder and the severity of the symptoms.
Common Symptoms of TMD/TMJ
Here is a list of common symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders:
- Pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- A clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw
- Limited range of motion in the jaw
- Tenderness or swelling in the jaw
- Headaches or migraines
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Facial swelling
It’s important to note that these symptoms may be caused by a variety of factors, and it’s always a good idea to consult with our chiropractor in about your symptoms.
Chiropractic Treatment for TMD/TMJ in Charlotte
Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, including temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques, including spinal manipulation and adjustments, to help alleviate pain and improve function in the body.
One of the main ways that chiropractic care can help treat TMD and TMJ disorders is by addressing any misalignments or imbalances in the jaw, neck, and spine. These imbalances can put added strain on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. By correcting these imbalances, chiropractors can help relieve pressure on the jaw and reduce TMD and TMJ symptoms.
Another way that chiropractic care can help treat TMD and TMJ disorders is by reducing muscle tension and improving range of motion in the jaw. Chiropractors may use techniques such as massage, stretches, and exercises to relax and stretch the muscles around the jaw, helping to alleviate pain and improve function.
It’s important to note that TMD and TMJ disorders can be complex conditions, and treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause of the disorder and the severity of the symptoms.
Stretches & Exercises to Help with TMD/TMJ
Here are some stretches and exercises that may help alleviate pain and improve function in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders:
- Jaw stretches: Gently open your mouth as wide as you can and hold for a few seconds. Repeat several times. You can also try placing a finger on your chin and gently pushing down while resisting with your jaw muscles.
- Neck stretches: Tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. You can also try tilting your head back and looking towards the ceiling, or tilting your head to one side and looking towards your armpit.
- Lip stretch: Puckering your lips as if you’re kissing the air can help stretch the muscles in your jaw and lips. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat several times.
- Tongue stretch: Stick out your tongue as far as you can and hold for a few seconds. Repeat several times.
- Jaw relaxation: Place a finger on your cheekbone near your ear and gently massage in a circular motion. You can also try placing a warm washcloth over your cheekbones and temples and massaging in a circular motion.
- Jaw strengthening: Place a small object between your teeth and gently bite down, holding for a few seconds. You can also try gently biting down on a washcloth or piece of gauze to help strengthen the muscles in your jaw.
Chiropractor for Jaw Pain in Charlotte
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, chiropractic care may be able to help. It’s very likely you could be experiencing TMD/TMJ. Our team here at Chiropractic Fitness would love to evaluate you and see if we can help. You don’t have to live in pain!
Book your appointment now and start your path to optimal health today!
Why choose chiropractic
Chiropractic care vs. the typical TMJ routine
| Comparison factor | Chiropractic Care | Pain Medication |
|---|---|---|
| Addresses the root cause | ✓Corrects jaw and spinal mechanics | ✕Masks the symptoms |
| Drug-free & non-invasive | ✓Always | ✕Relies on medication |
| Side-effect profile | ✓Minimal | ✕Possible with ongoing use |
| Builds long-term function | ✓Jaw exercises and posture work included | ✕Not addressed |
| Personalized to you | ✓Custom care plan | ✕One-size-fits-all |
Treatment options
Services we use to relieve tmd/tmj
Chiropractic Care
Drug-free chiropractic care in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Craig Schulman uses hands-on spinal adjustments to ease back, neck, and joint pain. Call (704) 543-7206.
Learn more →Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release therapy in South Charlotte, NC eases tight connective tissue and stubborn muscle pain with hands-on care. Schedule your visit today.
Learn more →Physiotherapy
Physical therapy and sports rehab in South Charlotte, NC. Chiropractic Fitness builds strength and restores movement after injury. Call (704) 543-7206.
Learn more →Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage in Charlotte, NC relaxes tight muscles, eases tension, and supports your chiropractic care at Chiropractic Fitness. Book online today.
Learn more →Related conditions
Other conditions we treat in Charlotte
Patient reviews
What our Charlotte patients say
“Definitely recommend him 100%”
“Quick service. Extremely nice and professional.”
“I came into Dr. Schulman's office with severe sciatica pain, heel pain on right, and such a tight neck that I couldn't sleep at night from throbbing aches and pains. Now that I've been seeing Dr. Schulman for 3 months now, I'm running with my dogs again, and getting back into the gym without any back or neck pain. Best decision I ever made for self care! Highly recommend!”
What is TMJ or TMD?+
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) refers to pain or dysfunction in that joint. At Chiropractic Fitness in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Craig Schulman provides gentle, non-invasive TMJ treatment to relieve jaw pain and tension.
What causes TMJ/TMD?+
TMJ pain can result from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, poor posture, stress, misalignment of the jaw or spine, or trauma to the face. At Chiropractic Fitness, we help patients in Charlotte identify the underlying cause to create personalized treatment plans.
Can chiropractic care help with TMJ pain?+
Yes, chiropractic care can relieve TMJ pain by improving jaw alignment, reducing muscle tension, and correcting related spinal misalignments. Patients in Charlotte searching for “TMJ chiropractor near me” often find lasting relief at Chiropractic Fitness without the need for medication or surgery.
What are common symptoms of TMJ/TMD?+
Symptoms include jaw pain or stiffness, clicking or popping when opening the mouth, headaches, earaches, neck pain, and difficulty chewing. At Chiropractic Fitness, Dr. Craig Schulman carefully evaluates jaw movement and alignment for patients in Charlotte.
What treatments are available for TMJ/TMD?+
Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, myofascial release, jaw exercises, posture correction, and stress reduction techniques. At Chiropractic Fitness, we offer comprehensive TMJ/TMD treatment for patients in Charlotte, NC, focused on long-term relief.
How long does it take to relieve TMJ pain?+
Recovery time varies depending on the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder. Many patients notice reduced pain and improved jaw function within a few weeks. At Chiropractic Fitness, Dr. Craig Schulman helps patients in Charlotte heal naturally and regain comfort.
How much does TMJ/TMD treatment cost in Charlotte, NC?+
The cost of TMJ/TMD treatment depends on your specific condition and care plan. At Chiropractic Fitness, we provide affordable chiropractic solutions for patients in Charlotte seeking natural relief from jaw pain and tension.
How many visits will I need for TMJ pain?+
There's no set number — it depends on what's driving your jaw pain and how long you've had it. After evaluating your jaw movement and alignment, Dr. Craig Schulman builds a care plan around those findings. Patients visit us from Ballantyne and across south Charlotte for TMJ relief.
Is chiropractic care safe for TMJ/TMD?+
Yes. Chiropractic care is a gentle, non-invasive, drug-free option for jaw pain, and Dr. Craig Schulman adapts each technique to your comfort. Every Charlotte patient starts with a thorough exam so we can confirm the cause and coordinate with your dentist or physician if your case calls for it.
Do you take insurance for TMJ/TMD care in Charlotte?+
We work with health insurance, auto-injury and work-injury claims, and Medicare, and we verify your benefits before your first visit. Since costs vary by care plan, see our [payment options](/resources/payment-options/) or call the office and we'll help you understand your coverage.