TMJ & TMD Treatment in Manhattan, IL
Drug-Free Relief for Jaw Pain and Dysfunction
If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain, clicking, locking, or tension headaches, you may be suffering from Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)—a condition affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. At Freedom Family Chiropractic in Manhattan, IL, we provide natural, non-invasive treatment for TMD, guided by the science of Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP).
Dr. Justine Johnson and Dr. Andrew Garner take a structural, whole-body approach to relieving jaw dysfunction and correcting the postural and neurological imbalances that often contribute to chronic TMJ pain.
Schedule your appointment today.
Ready to discover the benefits of chiropractic care?
What Is TMD?
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to dysfunction or inflammation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)—the hinge-like joints that connect your jaw to your skull. These joints play a critical role in chewing, speaking, and facial movement. When misalignment, muscle tension, or nerve interference occurs, the result can be painful and disruptive.
Common TMD Symptoms:
- Jaw pain or soreness (especially in the morning or late day)
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
- Locking or limited range of jaw motion
- Facial, neck, or ear pain
- Tension headaches or migraines
- Pain when chewing or yawning
- Uneven bite or changes in dental alignment
Many people don’t realize that TMD symptoms often originate from cervical spine misalignments, poor posture, and even stress-related muscle tightness—areas that chiropractic care is uniquely equipped to address.
How Chiropractic BioPhysics® Helps
Chiropractic BioPhysics® is a research-based technique that focuses on restoring normal spinal structure, which directly impacts the function of your nervous system and musculoskeletal health, including your jaw.
The spine and jaw are intricately connected through the trigeminal and cervical nerves. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (C1-C3) can create tension patterns that radiate into the jaw and face, contributing to TMJ dysfunction.
We use CBP to:
- Correct postural imbalances (e.g., forward head posture)
- Restore normal cervical alignment
- Reduce tension in jaw-related musculature
- Improve nerve communication between the brain and jaw muscles
- Provide lasting relief without medications or invasive procedures
Our TMD Treatment Approach
We begin with a thorough examination that may include:
- Digital posture and spinal analysis
- Palpation of the TMJ and surrounding muscles
- Functional movement testing of the neck, jaw, and shoulders
- Digital X-rays (when clinically indicated)
Based on your findings, we design a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine and jaw
- CBP spinal traction and postural retraining
- Trigger point therapy and soft tissue mobilization
- Corrective jaw exercises to improve function
- Lifestyle and ergonomic recommendations (e.g., sleep position, screen posture)
Our goal is not just symptom relief, but restoring normal structure and function so your body can heal and thrive.
A Natural, Non-Invasive Solution
Many people with TMD are prescribed muscle relaxants, mouthguards, or even exploratory surgery. At Freedom Family Chiropractic, we offer an alternative that works with your body, not against it.
Our TMD care is:
- Non-invasive
- Drug-free
- Backed by scientific research
- Customized for your unique alignment
- Focused on long-term relief and prevention
We also collaborate with your dentist, orthodontist, or oral health provider as needed to provide a truly integrated care plan.
Who We Help
We’ve successfully helped patients of all ages and lifestyles with TMD-related symptoms, including:
- Office workers with tech neck and jaw tension
- Teenagers with braces or bite changes
- Athletes with neck and jaw imbalances
- Stress-prone adults with clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Pregnant women experiencing postural shifts and jaw discomfort
Reclaim Your Comfort and Confidence
Jaw pain shouldn’t control your ability to eat, talk, laugh, or enjoy life. If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want to address the root cause of your TMD, Freedom Family Chiropractic is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive TMD evaluation and discover how chiropractic care can bring lasting relief naturally.
Ready to take the next step towards a pain-free, healthier life? Our team is here to help you on your wellness journey. Click the buttons below to Check Your Insurance or Schedule an Appointment Now and start experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Chiropractic care, especially using CBP, can correct spinal misalignments that affect jaw muscle function and nerve flow, often reducing TMJ pain and improving jaw movement.
In some cases, yes. We use gentle, targeted adjustments to the jaw if clinically indicated—often in combination with cervical spine correction to relieve muscle tension and restore function.
Posture, stress-related clenching, cervical misalignment, and repetitive habits (like gum chewing or teeth grinding) are all contributing factors we address in treatment.
Not necessarily. With the right structural care and muscle retraining, many patients experience long-term or even permanent relief from TMD symptoms.
Many patients report noticeable improvements within a few visits, especially when jaw pain is related to postural strain or cervical misalignment. Long-term correction may take several weeks to months, depending on severity.