Jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, and chronic clenching are more common than you might think—and many people assume a nightguard or Botox is the solution. While these can provide temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause. At Reset Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we’ve seen how proper chiropractic care, physical therapy, and shockwave therapy can provide long-term relief for patients in Bloomingdale, Roselle, and Medinah, IL.


How Forward Head Posture Impacts the Jaw

When the head sits forward instead of aligned over the spine, it changes the angle of the upper cervical spine. This misalignment puts extra strain on the muscles that connect the neck, skull, and jaw. Over time, this can lead to:

  • Tightness in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles

  • Jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism)

  • TMJ pain, clicking, or popping

  • Headaches and tension behind the eyes or in the temples

  • Neck stiffness and postural imbalances

Even minor forward head posture from phone use, computer work, or poor ergonomics can contribute to chronic jaw issues.


Why Nightguards or Botox Are Not Long-Term Solutions

  • Nightguards protect teeth but do not correct why the jaw muscles are overactive.

  • Botox injections relax the jaw muscles temporarily but do not address the underlying cervical misalignment.

Without correcting the upper cervical alignment, these approaches only mask symptoms rather than solving the problem.


A Holistic Approach to TMJ and Jaw Recovery

At Reset Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we use a comprehensive approach for jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, and related headaches:

1. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments

Realigning the top vertebrae in your neck restores proper head posture and reduces stress on jaw muscles, helping to relieve tension and prevent chronic clenching.

2. Targeted Stretches and Physical Therapy

Physical therapy and guided exercises improve neck and jaw alignment, strengthen supporting muscles, and restore proper movement patterns for long-term relief.

3. Soft Tissue Therapy for Jaw Muscles

Once cervical alignment is addressed, we focus directly on tight jaw muscles using:

  • Shockwave Therapy – stimulates healing and releases chronic tightness in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids

  • Graston Technique – instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to break down adhesions

  • TMJ Adjustments – improve joint mobility and reduce strain

By combining chiropractic care, physical therapy, and advanced soft tissue therapies, we address both the root cause and the secondary jaw issues for a holistic, long-lasting solution.


Benefits of This Approach

Patients who follow this comprehensive plan often notice:

  • Reduced jaw tension and clenching

  • Fewer headaches and decreased pain intensity

  • Improved neck posture and comfort

  • Better jaw mobility and function

  • Long-term relief rather than temporary fixes


Why Choose Reset Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Bloomingdale

TMJ pain and jaw clenching are often symptoms of underlying postural and cervical spine issues. Our team provides expert chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and shockwave therapy to restore proper alignment, relieve tension, and improve overall jaw function.

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or chronic clenching, don’t just mask the symptoms—treat the cause.

Book your appointment today with Reset Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Bloomingdale and start your path toward long-term jaw and neck relief.

Erin Strauch-Ducat

Erin Strauch-Ducat

Chiropractic Physician

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