Chiropractor for Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain

For some people, yes. Many cases of jaw pain are mechanical, which means they come from how the jaw joint, its muscles and the neck are moving and working together. Chiropractors are university trained to assess and manage this kind of musculoskeletal pain. Not every jaw problem is mechanical, though. That’s why we start with a thorough assessment, and if your symptoms point to a dental or medical cause, we’ll refer you to the right practitioner.

Your first visit starts with a detailed history and examination of your jaw, neck and posture. Depending on what we find, care may include gentle mobilisation of the jaw, adjustments to the neck and upper back, soft tissue work on the jaw and neck muscles, and simple home exercises. We’ll also look at everyday habits that can load the jaw, such as clenching, chewing gum and desk posture. After your assessment, we’ll walk you through your findings and care plan in your Health Action Plan.

Often the best results come from both working together. A dentist can assess your teeth, bite and grinding, and may recommend a night splint. A chiropractor focuses on how the jaw joint, neck and posture are moving and contributing to the problem. At My Back Relief Clinic, we’re happy to co-manage your care with your dentist so you’re not stuck choosing between the two.

Yes, they can often contribute. The jaw and upper neck are closely linked through shared muscles and nerves. Forward head posture, which is common with long hours at a desk or on your phone, changes how the jaw sits and can increase tension in the surrounding muscles. This is also why some people develop jaw pain after a whiplash injury. Assessing the neck is a standard part of how we look at jaw pain.

Clicking usually comes from the small disc inside the joint not moving smoothly with the jawbone. Clicking on its own, without pain or restricted movement, is common and often isn’t a concern. If the clicking comes with pain, a jaw that catches or locks, or trouble opening your mouth fully, it’s worth getting assessed.

Yes, both are common contributors. Stress often shows up as jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), especially during sleep. That constant load can make the jaw muscles and joint sore and stiff. Managing jaw pain often means addressing these habits alongside treatment, and a dentist may also recommend a splint to protect your teeth at night.