Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMJD: Treating Jaw Pain by Restoring Balance to the Whole Body

Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw may seem harmless—until it’s paired with pain. That’s when it becomes TMJD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. While it’s often treated as an isolated jaw issue, TMJD is almost always a full-body problem—and lasting relief comes from treating it that way.

At Sarasota Pain Treatment Center, we use Neurosomatic Therapy to assess and correct the postural imbalances and muscular dysfunctions that lead to jaw pain—without surgery or long-term medication use.

What Is TMJD?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jaw to your skull on either side of your head. Unlike most joints in the body, the jaw is suspended by ligaments and muscles, making it highly dependent on balanced structure and muscle tone for proper function.

When that balance is off—whether due to trauma, poor posture, or stress—the result is often:

  • Clicking or popping in the jaw

  • Jaw pain or tightness

  • Headaches or facial pain

  • Locking or difficulty opening/closing the mouth

  • Ear pain, dizziness, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

What’s important to understand is that TMJ issues rarely start in the jaw itself. Often, the root cause lies in the spine, pelvis, or cranium—and correcting those imbalances is essential for healing.

Fast Facts About TMJD

  • The position of the cranium heavily influences TMJ function

  • Postural distortion elsewhere in the body can worsen or trigger TMJD

  • Improper tracking of the jaw can lead to disc wear—but the disc can regenerate with proper care

  • The NIH recommends non-surgical treatment for TMJD whenever possible

Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short

Typical treatments for TMJ disorder may include:

  • Pain medication or muscle relaxants

  • Splints or bite guards

  • Jaw stretching or strengthening exercises

  • Physical therapy focused on jaw movement

While these methods may offer temporary relief, they rarely correct the muscle imbalances or postural issues that are maintaining the problem. And in cases where trauma (like whiplash or head injury) is involved, exercises alone can’t address the damaged tissues still influencing jaw movement.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) emphasizes the importance of reversible, non-invasive care—making Neurosomatic Therapy a perfect fit.

Neurosomatic Therapy: A Whole-Body Approach to TMJD

At our clinic, we take an in-depth approach to TMJ dysfunction. We don’t just treat the pain—we identify and correct the underlying imbalances that created the issue in the first place.

Here’s what our process includes:

  • Thorough postural evaluation of the head, neck, spine, and pelvis

  • Hands-on release techniques targeting muscles of the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders

  • Correction of cranial alignment to restore proper TMJ tracking

  • Ongoing care to retrain muscular balance and movement

Even in advanced cases, restoring alignment can prevent joint degradation and significantly reduce pain.

What Happens When TMJ Is Out of Alignment?

When the jaw isn’t tracking properly due to postural distortion:

  • Some muscles become chronically tight, while others are overstretched

  • Joint movement becomes asymmetrical, leading to uneven pressure and wear

  • Cartilage, ligaments, and jawbone surfaces can begin to deteriorate

  • The longer the dysfunction continues, the greater the breakdown and pain

By restoring postural balance, we help normalize movement, reduce pressure on the joint, and relieve pain—without surgery.

Don’t Let Jaw Pain Control Your Life

TMJD can be incredibly disruptive—but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right approach, you can restore balance, eliminate pain, and prevent long-term damage.

Call us today to speak with one of our expert therapists and learn how Neurosomatic Therapy can help you finally find lasting relief from TMJD.

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