TMJ and Jaw Pain Chiropractor in Boca Raton, FL 33432: Gentle, Specific Neck and Jaw Care
TMJ and Jaw Pain in Boca Raton: A Plain-Language Guide
If your jaw aches when you chew, clicks when you open wide, or feels tight when you wake up, you may be dealing with a temporomandibular joint problem, often called TMJ or TMD. Many people in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach and Coral Springs also notice headaches, ear pressure, neck stiffness or facial tension along with it. This guide explains what TMJ is, what can contribute to it, which warning signs need a doctor or dentist first, and how Dr. Evan Hasson at Specific Chiropractic approaches jaw and neck complaints with careful, specific, gentle care.
This page is general health information. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice for your situation, and individual results vary.
Quick Answers About TMJ
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint on each side of the face that connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMD is the term for problems with that joint and the muscles around it.
Common symptoms include jaw pain, a clicking or grinding sensation, limited opening, jaw tightness, earaches without an ear infection, and headaches near the temples.
Jaw problems often overlap with neck problems, because the muscles and nerves of the jaw, face and upper neck are closely connected.
Dr. Hasson is a Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate with more than 10 years in practice and is ultra specific when adjusting the spine. He works with your dentist or doctor when your case calls for it.
Specific Chiropractic is at 1 W Camino Real #111, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Call 561-571-2468 or book online at calendly.com/adjustme.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints work like sliding hinges. Every time you speak, chew, swallow or yawn, both joints move together. A small disc of cartilage sits between the bones to cushion the motion. Muscles around the joint, including those at the temples, cheeks and under the jaw, control the movement.
When the joint, the disc or the surrounding muscles are irritated, strained or injured, the result can be pain, noise, stiffness or limited movement. The medical term for this group of problems is temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. In everyday conversation most people call it TMJ.
Common TMJ Symptoms
Symptoms vary. People commonly describe pain or tenderness in the jaw, in front of the ear or at the temples, a clicking or grinding sensation when opening or closing the mouth, a jaw that feels stuck or tight, difficulty chewing, facial fatigue, earache or ear fullness, ringing in the ears, headaches and neck or shoulder tension.
Jaw noises alone, without pain or limited movement, are common and do not always need care. Pain, locking or trouble opening and closing the mouth deserve a closer look.
When Jaw Pain Needs Urgent Care
Not all jaw pain is TMJ. Go to an emergency room or call 911 if jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or pain spreading into the arm or shoulder, since this can be a sign of a heart problem. Seek urgent care for a jaw that is locked and will not open or close, facial swelling with fever, a jaw injury after a fall or accident, sudden facial weakness or drooping, trouble speaking or swallowing, or severe pain that is getting worse.
If you have a toothache, a broken tooth or swelling near the gums, see a dentist promptly. If your symptoms are mild or moderate and none of these apply, a careful evaluation can be a sensible next step.
What Can Contribute to TMJ Problems?
Several things can irritate the jaw joint or the muscles around it. Common contributors include clenching or grinding the teeth, especially during sleep, stress and muscle tension, a past injury to the jaw, face or neck, including whiplash from a car accident, arthritis in the joint, a disc inside the joint that moves out of its normal position, habits such as chewing gum, nail biting or resting the chin on a hand, long hours of forward head posture at a desk or phone, and dental or bite changes.
Often more than one factor is involved. That is why a clear history and exam matter more than guessing.
The Neck and Jaw Connection
The jaw does not work alone. The muscles of the jaw, face and neck share nerve pathways in the upper neck and brainstem region, and head and neck posture influences how the jaw rests. Many people with jaw pain also have neck stiffness, and many people with neck problems notice jaw tension. This is one reason upper cervical care is often discussed alongside jaw complaints.
We are careful not to overstate this. Not every jaw problem comes from the neck, and chiropractic care is not a replacement for dental or medical care. What we can do is examine how your head, neck and spine are moving and carrying you, and tell you plainly whether that looks like part of your picture.
How Dr. Hasson Evaluates Jaw and Neck Pain
Your first visit starts with a conversation. We ask when the jaw pain started, whether there was an injury, a dental procedure or a period of high stress, what makes it better or worse, and whether you clench or grind your teeth. We also ask about headaches, neck pain, ear symptoms and your health history.
Then comes a physical exam that can include posture and head position checks, neck and spine movement testing, palpation of the muscles around the jaw and neck, neurological screening and orthopedic tests. We use digital X-ray in the office when it is appropriate to see the structure of your spine and plan your care. If you need dental, imaging or specialist care, we will tell you and help coordinate.
Gentle, Specific Care at Specific Chiropractic
Dr. Hasson focuses on upper cervical chiropractic and trained in several techniques, including NUCCA, Grostic, Atlas Orthogonal, Advanced Orthogonal, Knee Chest and Palmer Toggle Recoil. He is known for being ultra specific when adjusting the spine. Adjustments are gentle and matched to the person, which many people with sensitive necks and jaws appreciate. You can read about each approach on our Chiropractic Techniques page.
We do not perform treatment inside the mouth, we do not replace your dentist, and we do not promise results. Individual results vary, and chiropractic care is not a substitute for medical treatment of conditions that need a medical doctor or dentist.
Working With Your Dentist or Doctor
Good jaw care is often a team effort. A dentist can evaluate your bite and teeth and may recommend a night guard if you grind your teeth. An oral surgeon or ear, nose and throat doctor can look at structural problems. A primary care doctor can rule out other causes. With your permission, we are glad to share a clear summary of our findings and coordinate with your other providers.
What You Can Do at Home
Follow any instructions from your dentist or doctor first. Many people feel better when they eat softer foods for a short time, avoid chewing gum and hard or chewy foods, cut food into smaller pieces and avoid opening very wide when yawning or biting large sandwiches. Try to keep your teeth slightly apart and your tongue resting gently on the roof of your mouth when you are not eating. A warm, damp cloth on the jaw muscles for a few minutes can feel soothing.
Check your posture during the day. Raise screens to eye level, keep your ears over your shoulders and take breaks every 30 minutes. Stress management matters as well. Short walks, slow breathing and good sleep can ease the muscle tension that often feeds jaw pain.
How Long Does TMJ Last?
It depends on the cause. Some people notice jaw symptoms settle within weeks, especially when a habit or short period of stress is the trigger. Others have symptoms that come and go for months or years. Pain that is getting worse, interferes with eating or comes with locking should be evaluated. We do not promise a set number of visits. A good plan is reviewed regularly and adjusted as you improve.
Jaw Pain After a Car Accident
A rear-end crash or sudden stop can strain the neck and jaw even when you do not hit your head. Jaw pain, headaches and neck stiffness may show up days later. If your jaw pain began after a crash, see our Car Accident Care page for Florida PIP information, the 14-day rule and what to do next, and get checked as soon as you can.
TMJ Chiropractor Near You: Serving 33432 and Nearby Communities
Specific Chiropractic serves patients who live or work within about 20 miles of ZIP code 33432 in central Boca Raton. If you are searching for a TMJ chiropractor near me, a jaw pain and headache chiropractor in Boca Raton or an upper cervical chiropractor in Palm Beach County, you will find us at 1 W Camino Real #111, close to Federal Highway, I-95 and Glades Road.
Patients commonly come from Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Parkland, Pompano Beach and surrounding Palm Beach and southern Broward communities. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 AM to 7 PM, and Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. We are closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ
Can a chiropractor help with TMJ? Chiropractors evaluate the neck, spine and how the head is carried and can coordinate with your dentist. Dr. Hasson will tell you whether your symptoms look related to the neck and whether you need a dentist or another provider first.
Is a clicking jaw a problem? Not always. Many people have jaw noises without pain. If clicking comes with pain, locking or trouble opening, get it checked.
Do I need an X-ray? Not always. We use digital X-ray in our office when it is appropriate for your situation and explain why.
Can stress cause jaw pain? Stress can lead to clenching and muscle tension, which can contribute to jaw pain. It is often one of several factors.
Should I see a dentist first? If you have tooth pain, a broken tooth, swelling or you suspect a bite problem, yes. We are happy to work alongside your dentist.
Is care gentle? Dr. Hasson is ultra specific when adjusting the spine, and adjustments are gentle. Every treatment has risks and benefits, and we discuss them with you.
Does your office accept insurance? Our office is cash-based, and we also take car insurance for accident injuries. We provide a detailed receipt you can submit for reimbursement. Call 561-571-2468 and we will explain what to expect before your visit.
Can you promise results? No. Individual results vary, and we never guarantee outcomes. We promise a careful exam, clear explanations and a plan that fits you.
Schedule a Jaw and Neck Evaluation in Boca Raton
If jaw pain, headaches or neck tension are wearing you down, a careful exam can help you understand what is going on. Call Specific Chiropractic at 561-571-2468 or book online at calendly.com/adjustme. We are at 1 W Camino Real #111, Boca Raton, FL 33432. This page is for general information and is not medical advice.