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TMJ & Jaw Pain Relief in Houston

Jaw clicking, locking, and chronic pain aren't just a dental problem. The source may be a structural imbalance starting at the top of your spine.

Your Jaw Problem Might Not Be a Jaw Problem

TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) affects millions of people with symptoms ranging from jaw clicking and popping to chronic facial pain, ear aches, headaches, and difficulty chewing.

Most treatments focus on the jaw itself โ€” night guards, muscle relaxants, dental adjustments, even jaw surgery. These approaches can help manage symptoms, but they often miss the underlying question: why is the jaw out of balance in the first place?

The answer frequently lies at the atlas vertebra. When the atlas is misaligned, it creates a postural imbalance that cascades upward into the jaw. The muscles on one side tighten, the joint tracks unevenly, and the TMJ begins to deteriorate โ€” all because of a structural problem in the neck, not the jaw.

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โ€œMy jaw had been clicking and locking for five years. Iโ€™d tried night guards, physical therapy, even Botox. After Dr. Ennis corrected my atlas alignment, the clicking stopped within two weeks.โ€

How NUCCA Restores Jaw Balance

The atlas vertebra directly influences the muscular balance of the jaw through its relationship with the suboccipital muscles, the hyoid bone, and the trigeminal nerve. When atlas alignment is corrected:

โ†’ Muscle tension equalizes on both sides of the jaw
โ†’ The TMJ can track properly without clicking or locking
โ†’ Trigeminal nerve irritation decreases, reducing facial pain
โ†’ Head posture normalizes, removing the strain that caused the dysfunction

The NUCCA correction itself never involves the jaw โ€” it's a gentle touch behind the ear that restores structural balance throughout the head, neck, and jaw complex.

Clinical Evidence

TMJ & Upper Cervical Link: Research demonstrates a strong correlation between atlas misalignment and TMJ dysfunction, with patients showing measurable improvement in jaw range of motion and pain levels following upper cervical correction.
Postural Balance: Studies confirm that correcting atlas alignment improves overall head and neck posture, which directly reduces the biomechanical strain on the temporomandibular joint.
Man enjoying a meal comfortably, representing freedom from TMJ and jaw pain

Long-Term Jaw Health with Thrive Care

TMJ recovery requires patience as the muscles and joint adapt to balanced alignment. Our Thrive Care program supports this transition with consistent monitoring and care.

Your Thrive Care Plan Includes:

Progressive alignment monitoring, jaw function tracking, coordination with your dentist if appropriate, and personalized guidance to ensure your TMJ improvement is lasting.

โ€œDr. Ennis and his son are the most thorough, caring doctors Iโ€™ve ever met. They actually listen, explain everything, and never rush you. The office is welcoming and the results speak for themselves.โ€
โ€” Verified Google Review

Ready to Address the Real Source of Your Jaw Pain?

Your $79 new patient visit includes a comprehensive evaluation to determine if atlas misalignment is behind your TMJ symptoms.

Schedule Your $79 Visit โ†’