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.
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.
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.
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.
Progressive alignment monitoring, jaw function tracking, coordination with your dentist if appropriate, and personalized guidance to ensure your TMJ improvement is lasting.
โDr. Ennis and his son are the most thorough, caring doctors Iโve ever met. They actually listen, explain everything, and never rush you. The office is welcoming and the results speak for themselves.โโ Verified Google Review