04/09/2025
This is what the research has to say about chiropractic care and temporomandibular joint dysfunction:
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits in front of the ear and can be the cause of significant impairment to daily life when inflamed or injured. Dysfunction at this joint can also manifest as restriction of movement, clicking, headaches, and earaches.
Studies have identified an association between things like anxiety and migraines, with TMJ dysfunction. [Theroux, 2019; Florencio, 2017]
Multiple case reports have highlighted the improvement in symptoms related to TMJ dysfunction following chiropractic care. A case of TMJ disc displacement in an adolescent was effectively managed with a conservative approach of chiropractic care, acupuncture, and TMJ exercises. [Trager, 2022] Another case of chronic TMJ pain, worsened by movement, was resolved following chiropractic care. [Paxton, 2020]
Additionally, a retrospective case series of 14 patients documented the improvement in temporomandibular dysfunction following chiropractic care. [Pavia, 2015]
While effective multimodal care has been documented in case reports across many areas of health, there is a robust niche found in cases with TMJ dysfunction. [Panahpour, 2025; Bloink, 2021]
This multimodal approach is effective in improving many TMJ related concerns, as reported by case reports. One of these cases emphasised the potential to improve TMJ dysfunction and associated symptoms, through dental chiropractic co-treatment, avoiding surgery. Following care recommendations of temporomandibular appliances and a chiropractic care plan involving two chiropractors, the patient reported a significant reduction in TMJ related headaches and improved nasal breathing. [Shiazi, 2021]
While most of the data lies in case reports currently and our understanding of the relationship between chiropractic care and TMJ function is limited, there is the foundation for larger studies in the future.
