Jaw pain, clicking, and tightness can take a serious toll on your daily life—and if you’re experiencing symptoms like these, you may be dealing with TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). At Van Dam Chiropractic, we specialize in helping Fargo ND residents find lasting relief from TMD symptoms through gentle, effective chiropractic care.
Signs You May Have TMD
- Clicking, popping, or locking in the jaw
- Jaw pain when chewing or yawning
- Frequent headaches, earaches, or neck pain
- Pain radiating to the shoulders or teeth
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
While many people experience jaw discomfort temporarily, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated. Our chiropractic team can help determine if your pain is TMD-related and customize a treatment plan to ease inflammation, restore movement, and prevent future flare-ups.
What Causes TMD?
TMD is typically caused by one of three issues:
- Myofascial pain – muscular tension in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Joint displacement – misalignment of the jaw joint or disc
- Degenerative joint disease – such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Injury, overuse (like excessive gum chewing), dental procedures, or emotional stress can all trigger or worsen TMD. Many patients are unaware that jaw tension from stress—such as teeth clenching—may be the underlying cause.
How Chiropractic Can Help
Our chiropractors use non-invasive techniques like spinal and jaw adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises to restore alignment and reduce joint stress. We may also recommend at-home care, including:
- Heat/ice therapy – Ice in early stages, heat for chronic tension
- Jaw movement guidance – Avoid wide opening and hard foods
- Stretching and strengthening – Custom exercises to stabilize and rebalance the jaw
In more complex cases, we collaborate with dental professionals or recommend protective appliances for teeth grinding. Your care plan is tailored to your unique needs and comfort level.
If you’re struggling with jaw discomfort in Fargo ND, don’t wait. Contact Van Dam Chiropractic today at (701) 532-5320 and take the first step toward unlocking a solution to your jaw pain.
For Your Health,
Dr. Scott Van Dam
