TMJ/TMD: Find the Real Source of Jaw Pain
Wait to get in with an ENT for months, just to be told it’s your TMJ? Jaw pain and TMJ/TMD often show up as clicking, popping, stiffness, headaches, ear pressure, or pain when chewing and talking. Posture, clenching/grinding, prior dental work, and neck/upper-back mechanics can all overload the TMJ and surrounding muscles (masseter, temporalis, medial/lateral pterygoids). At Hugo Chiropractic, we start with a focused evaluation of jaw tracking, bite habits, cervical/thoracic posture, and muscle tension patterns so we treat the true driver—not just the symptoms.
Our plan: gentle TMJ and cervical adjustments to improve joint motion and alignment; targeted soft-tissue release, including external and (when appropriate) gloved intraoral pterygoid work to reduce trigger points; mobility drills for jaw opening/translation; and rehab for posture and stabilization (deep neck flexors, scapular set, controlled jaw opening/closing). We’ll also coach daytime habit changes (tongue-to-palate rest posture, nasal breathing, relaxed jaw position), nighttime strategies (pillow setup, side/back-sleep tips), and discuss guard use with your dentist when relevant.
Results you can feel: smoother opening, less clicking, fewer headaches, and easier chewing/yawning—plus better neck/upper-back comfort as posture improves. Most patients notice initial relief early, then steadier gains as mobility and control return.
Local reach: We help TMJ/TMD patients from Hugo, Lino Lakes, Centerville, Forest Lake, and White Bear Lake who want a hands-on, drug-free approach that blends adjustments, precise muscle work, and rehab.
Serving Hugo and Nearby Communities: We proudly care for patients from Hugo, White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, Lino Lakes, Centerville, St. Paul, Scandia, North Oaks, and Vadnais Heights.
New here? Explore our services: Chiropractic Care, Auto Injuries, Sports Injuries, Prenatal Care.
Can chiropractic help TMJ/TMD jaw pain—and how?
Yes. We evaluate jaw tracking, bite habits, neck/thoracic posture, and muscle tension to find the driver of your pain. Treatment can include gentle TMJ and cervical adjustments, soft-tissue/muscle work (masseter, temporalis, medial/lateral pterygoids), mobility drills, and rehab for posture and jaw control. We help patients from Hugo, White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, Lino Lakes, and Centerville.
Is intraoral pterygoid muscle work safe—and what does it feel like?
When appropriate and performed with gloved, sanitary technique, intraoral pterygoid release is safe and often effective for clicking, tight opening, ear pressure, and temple pain. You may feel brief, intense but tolerable pressure followed by easier jaw motion. Care is tailored to your comfort and combined with home drills to keep results.
Do I need a referral or a night guard—and how soon will I feel better?
No, you don’t need a referral. Many see relief within the first few visits, with steadier gains over several weeks as mobility and control improve. If bruxism is a factor, we can coordinate with your dentist about night guard options while we address joint mechanics, posture, and muscle tension.
