TMJ and Jaw Pain Chiropractor in Loveland, CO
Clicking, tight or sore jaw? The jaw and the upper neck work as a team, so we check both.
Reviewed by Dr. Brian Flemming, DC · Last reviewed September 2026
Quick answer
Can a chiropractor help TMJ and jaw pain?
It can help some people. The jaw and the upper neck work as a team, sharing the work of holding and moving your head, so tension in one often shows up in the other. We check both and use gentle adjustments, soft-tissue work and simple exercises, and we're glad to work alongside your dentist.
Readers’ Choice
Best of Loveland
2016
2017
2018
2019
2026& Best Place for a Massage
About This Service
Your Jaw and Your Neck Are Connected
The jaw joint, called the TMJ, sits right in front of your ear, and the muscles that move it tie into the neck and head. Forward head posture, a stiff upper neck, stress and clenching can all pile stress onto the jaw.
So we look at how the jaw opens and closes, the muscles around it, and how the neck and posture are affecting it. Many people work with their dentist and with us at the same time, and we're happy to coordinate.
- Exam of the jaw, neck and posture together
- Gentle work on the jaw and the muscles around it
- Upper neck adjustments when the neck is contributing
- Simple habits and exercises for clenching and posture
- Coordination with your dentist when needed
What We See Most
Jaw Problems We See
Clicking or Popping
A jaw that clicks, pops or catches when you open.
Jaw Pain When Chewing
Soreness with meals, gum or long conversations.
Clenching and Grinding
Tight jaw muscles, often worse in the morning.
Headaches at the Temples
Tension headaches tied to jaw muscles.
Ear-Area Pain
Aching in front of the ear with no ear infection.
Limited Opening
Trouble opening wide for a yawn or a sandwich.
Our Approach
What Care Looks Like
Care is gentle. It usually combines careful work on the jaw and surrounding muscles, adjustments for the neck when it's involved, and a few habits to take pressure off the jaw between visits.
A jaw that locks and won't open or close, swelling, or pain after an injury should be seen by a dentist or medical doctor first.
We are on North Garfield Avenue in Loveland, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins and 10 from Berthoud. New here? See what to expect on your first visit and fill out your new patient forms online before you come in. Every care plan follows the same three phases of care. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare; see insurance and payment, or browse every condition we care for.
Related Conditions We Care For
Research
What the Research Says
A few of the published studies behind how we approach this. Research describes groups of people, not a promise for any one person. Your exam tells us what applies to you.
Reviewing 48 trials, this analysis found manual therapy, alone or with jaw or neck exercises, showed promising effects for jaw disorders, but overall evidence quality was low.
Armijo-Olivo S, Pitance L, Singh V, et al. Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Temporomandibular Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther, 2016 · systematic review.
Across eight trials, jaw-muscle myofascial techniques and upper-neck manipulation or mobilization improved jaw pain or mouth opening versus control, with evidence quality varying by technique.
Calixtre LB, Moreira RF, Franchini GH, et al. Manual therapy for the management of pain and limited range of motion in subjects with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. J Oral Rehabil, 2015 · systematic review.
A meta-analysis of eight trials found manual techniques improved mouth opening and reduced pain during opening more than other conservative treatments for jaw disorders in the short term.
Martins WR, Blasczyk JC, Aparecida Furlan de Oliveira M, et al. Efficacy of musculoskeletal manual approach in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Man Ther, 2016 · systematic review.
Common Questions
Questions Patients Ask Us
Can a chiropractor help TMJ?
Chiropractic care may help when the jaw muscles, neck and posture are contributing to jaw pain. An exam tells us whether it's a good fit, and we coordinate with your dentist when needed.
Is my jaw pain related to my neck?
Often they're connected. Forward head posture and a stiff upper neck change how the jaw muscles work.
Should I see my dentist too?
Yes, especially for grinding, bite problems or tooth pain. Many patients see both.
Is jaw care painful?
It's gentle. We work within your comfort level.
Have a different question? Read the full list of patient questions or call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patients
Book Your TMJ & Jaw Pain Evaluation
Tell us how to reach you and we’ll call to get you scheduled. Prefer to talk now? Call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patient Special — $59
$315 value
- Consultation with the Doctor
- Orthopedic and Neurological Exam
- Specialized Report of Findings
Terms of This Offer
This discounted service cannot be submitted for third-party reimbursement and is not reimbursable for cash. Not valid with Medicare, workers’ compensation, or personal injury / auto accident claims. Must mention this special when contacting us to receive the rate.
Get Started
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
You have put this off long enough. One thorough exam tells you what is actually going on and what it will take to fix it. Call us or send a request — we will get you in.