TMJ Pain & Jaw Dysfunction Treatment in Bergen County, NJ

Relief for Jaw Pain, Tension & Headaches

TMJ pain can affect how you chew, talk, sleep, and move through your day. At The Spine & Health Center of NJ, we take a full-body approach to jaw tension by assessing posture, muscle balance, and movement patterns that influence the temporomandibular joint. Our team blends chiropractic care, PT, soft-tissue therapy, and acupuncture to help restore comfort and natural jaw function.

Understanding TMJ Pain

TMJ disorders — often called TMD — can cause jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, ear fullness, and facial tension that makes daily activities uncomfortable. Whether the discomfort is mild or chronic, TMJ issues can disrupt eating, speaking, stress levels, and overall quality of life.

At The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, our multidisciplinary team takes a whole-body approach to TMJ pain. We look beyond the jaw to evaluate posture, neck mobility, stress patterns, muscle tension, and bite mechanics to create a personalized, effective plan for long-term relief.

Common Causes of TMJ Pain

Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Increased stress or clenching
Misalignment of the jaw or bite
Neck and upper-back muscular tension
Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint
Previous trauma to the jaw or face
Poor posture (forward head posture)
Connective tissue dysfunction
Repetitive chewing habits

Common TMJ Symptoms

Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
Limited ability to open or close the mouth
Locking of the jaw
Headaches or migraines
Ear pain, pressure, or ringing
Facial tension or asymmetry
Neck and upper-back tightness
Pain when chewing or talking

If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to get evaluated early so treatment can begin before the condition progresses.

How We Treat TMJ at The Spine & Health Center of NJ

Our team collaborates across multiple disciplines to address the root causes of TMJ dysfunction — not just the jaw itself.

1. Chiropractic Care

Helps restore proper alignment in the jaw, neck, and upper back, reducing muscular tension and improving joint mechanics.

2. Physical Therapy

Focuses on jaw mobility, postural correction, muscular release, and strengthening of the cervical and facial muscles involved in chewing and stability.

3. Acupuncture

Targets trigger points in the jaw, face, and neck, helping decrease muscular tension, inflammation, and stress-driven clenching.

4. Soft-Tissue Release (ART, Graston, Myofascial Techniques)

Highly effective for releasing tight masseter, temporalis, SCM, and upper-trapezius muscles contributing to jaw pain.

5. Cupping or Fascial Manipulation

Helps loosen surrounding tissues that influence jaw mechanics, especially in the neck and upper back.

6. Stress & Tension Management

Stress is one of the biggest triggers for TMJ flare-ups — acupuncture, chiropractic care, soft-tissue work, and mobility programs can all help reduce clenching patterns.

Benefits of TMJ Treatment

Reduced Jaw Pain & Tension Relieves soreness in the jaw muscles and surrounding facial structures.

Improved Jaw Mobility Eases difficulty opening, closing, or chewing.

Decreased Clicking & Popping Helps restore smoother, healthier jaw mechanics.

Better Posture & Alignment Reduces strain on the jaw caused by forward-head or rounded-shoulder posture.

Fewer Headaches & Neck Symptoms Addresses the muscular connections between the jaw, neck, and upper spine.

Stress Relief & Muscle Relaxation Supports long-term relief for clenching or grinding linked to anxiety or tension.

At-Home Tips for Managing TMJ Pain

Apply warm compresses to the jaw and temples
Practice gentle jaw stretching and mobility exercises
Avoid gum, hard foods, or wide mouth opening
Maintain good posture—especially at a desk
Use a nightguard if recommended by your dentist
Practice stress-reduction techniques (breathing, meditation, progressive relaxation)

If pain persists for more than a few weeks, a professional evaluation is recommended.

Why Choose The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey?

Family-owned and patient-first — no upselling, no unnecessary treatment plans
Multidisciplinary care that addresses the root causes of TMJ
Collaborative team approach for more effective, long-lasting results
Convenient Bergen County locations
Personalized treatment plans built around your goals, lifestyle, and symptom

Schedule An Appointment!

Find relief from TMJ pain at The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey. We offer convenient appointment times across all three Bergen County locations:

📍 Visit us at one of our Bergen County locations:

Closter: 31 Vervalen St, Closter, NJ 07624
Park Ridge: 146 Kinderkamack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Montvale: 32 Philips Pkwy, Montvale, NJ 07645

Schedule your appointment online or call today to learn how our team can help ease TMJ discomfort and improve jaw function.

FAQs About TMJ Pain

Is TMJ the same as TMD?

TMJ refers to the joint itself; TMD refers to disorders or dysfunction affecting the joint.

Can TMJ go away on its own?

Sometimes mild cases resolve, but chronic or recurring symptoms usually require treatment.

Can TMJ cause headaches or ear symptoms?

Yes — TMJ dysfunction often contributes to tension headaches, ear fullness, or ringing.

How long does it take to see improvement?

Many patients notice relief within a few sessions; full recovery varies based on severity and habits like clenching or posture.

Do you need imaging for TMJ?

Not always, but in severe cases imaging may be recommended to assess joint structure.

External Resource

For more on TMJ disorders, visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

Service Areas

We proudly serve Closter, Montvale, Park Ridge, and all of Bergen County, NJ, including Hillsdale, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake, Dumont, Englewood, and Hackensack.

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