Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a term used to describe a group of problems that cause pain in the temporomandibular joint, often referred to as the TMJ. These problems can arise from the muscles around the joint, the disc within the joint, or the bony portion of the joint itself. Imbalances between the muscles that open and close your jaw are the most common culprit.

Up to 25% of the population will suffer from TMD symptoms. Most patients are 20-50 years old and the condition is 2-3 times more common in females. Typical symptoms include jaw clicking, limited mouth opening, jaw locking, and pain. Chewing and eating usually exacerbate symptoms. We describe TMD pain as an “ache” in front of your ear canal but may also refer to other areas of your face, head, neck, and shoulders. TMD patients often suffer from headaches.

TMD is more common in people who clench their jaw or grind their teeth, especially at night. Bad posture and emotional stress are contributors to this problem. You are three times more likely to suffer from TMD if you have been involved in a “whiplash” accident.

You should avoid aggravating activities like chewing gum or eating “rubbery” foods. Limit excessive talking. A custom-fitted mouthguard may be prescribed to help minimize grinding & clenching and promote relaxation of your jaw muscles at night. Patients with night-time symptoms should avoid stressful activity before bedtime and try to sleep in a “neutral” position. Sometimes, stress management techniques, like biofeedback, can assist you in learning how to relax your jaw muscles.

Conservative treatments we provide, such as chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture/dry needling, and myofascial release have been shown to be as effective as any surgery for most patients with TMD.


Credit: Information on this page provided by ChiroUp.

Schedule An Appointment

We look forward to seeing you in our office.

I really love it here! They are very friendly and I feel Dr. Wilson is giving me great treatment! I also don’t feel pressured into coming back too frequently. The adjustments are great! Great office!

Amy, via demandforce

Dr. Matthew squeezed me in on short notice and took very good care of me. He was very thorough and didn’t just adjust me and let me walk out. Amazing experience here and the receptionist is a sweetheart.

Vanessa V., via Google

Dr. Wilson and Dr, Alec (PT) are both top-notch, and I’ve trusted my whole family with Dr. Matt Wilson for the last couple of years. My father was a chiropractor for over 40 years, so I knew what I was looking for, and he’s the best we’ve found in the area.  Their approach is to get you feeling better, and not to string things out, costing you more time and money than necessary. While they have all the equipment necessary (x-ray, etc) they don’t push unneeded services or snake oils. Both are caring, competent, and compassionate. The staff is good about finding appointments when you need them, and scheduling you with multiple people in a visit whenever possible. The new building is clean, well-appointed, and comfortable. Wait times are short, too. My husband has also had a therapy-based deep tissue massage from one of the two new massage therapists, and said it really helped!

Heather B., Google

Dr. Matt has done wonders for me and I recommend him highly – I can’t say enough good things about him. Dr. Matt and staff are good people and will take great care of you.

Steve Q., via Google

Very professional and in depth consultation. These people seem to genuinely care about people’s health and progress.

Laura, via citysearch.com

Dr. Matt and the entire staff have been GREAT! I went in for some issues I was having with my neck and back and Dr. Matt also helped me with some other issues I was having with my calf and shoulders that have made a HUGE improvement in my overall health and comfort.

I highly recommend using Dr. Matt!

Tyler, via Facebook