A Non-Surgical Path to Oral Facial Pain Relief
Are You One of the Many Adults Living with TMJ, TMD, Jaw Pain, or Facial Pain?
Did you know that dentists and chiropractors are now teaming up to transform jaw pain treatment and rehabilitation? Across the nation, local dental professionals are collaborating with chiropractors who have advanced training in TMJ disorder and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) to help people finally find lasting oral facial pain relief.
If you wake up with headaches, feel soreness in front of your ears, notice clicking or locking when you chew, or experience unexplained “tooth pain,” you’re not alone—you may be dealing with a TMJ disorder. Research shows that TMDs affect 5–12% of adults, making them one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions associated with pain and disability, second only to back pain.
Why Do So Many People Fall Through the Cracks?
Many adults with TMJ disorder symptoms spend years searching for answers and effective jaw pain treatment.
- A dentist might say your teeth look fine.
- A doctor might prescribe medication.
Meanwhile, the real issue often lies in the muscles and joints of the jaw and face. Over time, simple actions like talking, chewing, and yawning can become painful, or even debilitating.
Jaw and facial pain can be complex, but in many cases, facial pain relief is achievable when the right providers are involved. Unfortunately, most healthcare professionals receive very little formal training in the structure, function, and safe rehabilitation of the jaw, which is why TMJ disorder is often misunderstood or overlooked.
A New Approach to Jaw and Facial Care
Historically, dentists managed TMJ disorders on their own. However, growing research has shown that TMDs are musculoskeletal conditions, meaning effective jaw pain treatment often requires a team approach.
“Dentists are often the first to notice signs of jaw problems,” says Dr. Gary Glassman, renowned endodontist and global educator. “If the pain isn’t coming from the teeth, we now have trusted specialists who can evaluate the muscles and joints.”
At participating HealthSource clinics, chiropractors assess the jaw and face just like any other region of the body—using detailed history-taking and physical examinations guided by TMD care protocols. Whether the issue is joint locking, muscle tightness, restricted movement, or chronic pain, the underlying cause of the TMJ disorder can be identified with confidence.
Many patients are surprised to learn that the “tooth pain” they feel may actually be referred pain from the jaw muscles or joints, making targeted facial pain relief possible without dental procedures.
When jaw pain isn’t coming from the teeth, chiropractors trained in TMJ disorders can evaluate the muscles and joints responsible for facial pain and headaches.
Safe, Conservative Care That Works
The most effective non-surgical TMJ care focuses on gentle, conservative, and reversible treatments. The goal is to restore normal movement and muscle balance, not force or manipulate the joint.
A major 2020 health report recommends that first-line TMJ disorder treatment should emphasize patient education, gentle hands-on therapy, lifestyle modification, and specific exercises, rather than surgery or irreversible dental work.
“We help people understand their jaw pain and dysfunction, and what they can do at home to support healing,” explains Dr. Sid Lisser, co-founder of OFPT. “Once we address the muscles and movement patterns, most patients experience meaningful improvement.”
The Results Speak for Themselves
People who struggled for years with jaw pain, tension headaches, or facial discomfort are finally finding effective jaw pain treatment. Those who avoided certain foods are eating comfortably again. Many are simply relieved to have an explanation that makes sense after being told, “everything looks normal.”
Timely care matters. Ignoring early TMJ disorder symptoms can allow pain patterns to become chronic, making recovery more difficult. Early non-surgical TMJ care leads to better outcomes, faster recovery, and long-term facial pain relief.
You may be one of the many adults living with a very treatable jaw condition, and a growing network of providers is here to help.
To find an OFPT-certified HealthSource Chiropractor near you, please see the location list below:
HealthSource of Arlington Matlock, HealthSource of Athens, HealthSource of Buffalo, HealthSource of Covington, HealthSource of Doral, HealthSource of Duluth, HealthSource of Eden Prairie, HealthSource of Elk River, HealthSource of Fairlawn, HealthSource of Huntsville Providence, HealthSource of Meridian, HealthSource of Nine Mile, HealthSource of Pace, HealthSource of Pasco, HealthSource of Pensacola, HealthSource of Rocky River, HealthSource of Rogers, HealthSource of Troy, and HealthSource of Watertown.