TMJ pain and jaw tension are something we commonly see at ALIVE Wellness Center. Whether it shows up as clicking, popping, clenching, headaches, or ear pressure, TMJ dysfunction is often treated like a jaw-only issue.

But here’s what many people don’t know:

Your jaw and neck are deeply connected.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects the Jaw

The upper cervical spine (C1 and C2) sits just beneath the skull and is responsible for supporting the head and protecting the brainstem. When these vertebrae are misaligned, they can alter how the head sits on the spine, leading to imbalance in the jaw and surrounding musculature.

Think of it like a foundation that’s slightly off. Even small shifts in the neck can cause the jaw to work unevenly, creating muscle strain, joint dysfunction, and even nerve irritation.

Common Signs Your TMJ Could Be Coming from Your Neck

Clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth
Tension or pain in the jaw that moves into the neck or head
Clenching or grinding (especially at night)
Headaches or facial tension that return after massage or dental work
A feeling that your bite is “off”

Why Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps

At ALIVE Wellness Center, we take a unique approach by evaluating how your head, neck, and jaw are working together. Using CBCT imaging (Cone Beam CT), we can get a clear, 3D view of both your jaw joints (TMJ) and your upper cervical spine at the same time. This allows us to see:

If your issue is primarily in the jaw
If your issue is coming from misalignment in the neck
Or, as is often the case, if it’s a combination of both

We use this insight to create a gentle, personalized care plan. No twisting, popping, or forceful jaw manipulation. Just precise, targeted corrections that help your structure and nervous system come back into balance naturally.

Patients often notice improvements in jaw tension, bite alignment, and even night-time grinding or clenching once the neck and jaw are able to work in harmony again.

When to Get Checked

If you’ve been living with TMJ symptoms, and you’ve tried mouth guards, massage, or dental adjustments with no lasting relief, it might be time to check your neck.

Consults are always free, and we’re happy to explore whether upper cervical care could be the missing link in your TMJ healing journey.

Text us to schedule anytime!