What conditions can chiropractic care help with?

Chiropractic care can address a wide range of issues, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint discomfort, sciatica, and mobility problems. Regular adjustments also promote overall wellness by improving spinal alignment and nervous system function.

How often should I visit a chiropractor?

The frequency of visits depends on your individual needs and treatment plan. For acute conditions, you may need more frequent visits, while maintenance care could involve monthly adjustments. At Ballas Chiropractic & Nutrition Centre, we tailor care to your specific goals.

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe for people of all ages. Our chiropractors use gentle, evidence-based techniques to ensure a comfortable and effective treatment for every patient.

TMJ Care in Creve Coeur

Name: Ballas Chiropractic and Nutrition Centre
Address: 11639 Studt Avenue, Creve Coeur, MO, 63141, US
Telephone: (314) 872-7797
Price range: $$

man holding his jaw in pain If you’re one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from TMJ disorders, you know full well how jaw pain, clicking, popping, and difficulty chewing can impact your daily life. Here’s what a lot of people don’t realize: TMJ symptoms may be connected to tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper spine.

For some people, TMJ disorders are also accompanied by headaches, neck tightness, ear ringing, or even dizziness that seem unrelated at first. Maybe you’ve been relying on a night guard or just putting up with the discomfort without any lasting improvement. If yes, it may be time to look at the bigger picture.
NEW PATIENTS »

The Jaw and Neck Connection Most People Miss

The jaw works closely with the muscles and joints in your neck and upper back. Every time you chew, yawn, or speak, muscles throughout your head, neck, and upper back work together to coordinate those movements.

That’s why TMJ disorders can also be associated with more than jaw discomfort. Headaches, neck stiffness, facial tension, ear ringing, and even dizziness may all occur as well.

A Thorough Approach to Understanding the Cause

Dr. Wipperman starts with a detailed evaluation designed to identify factors contributing to your symptoms. The jaw, neck, posture, and surrounding muscle function are assessed together rather than in isolation.

Our chiropractor uses surface electromyography (EMG) and infrared thermography to evaluate muscle tension and inflammation patterns in the neck and upper back. This information helps him guide a personalized care plan. The frequency of care is often higher at the beginning, depending on the severity of your concerns. Dr. Wipperman may also recommend home stretches, soft tissue techniques, and lifestyle changes.

In some cases, mouth splints may also be recommended. We’ll monitor your progress through follow-up scans to help track changes over time.

Why TMJ Problems Develop

Some people notice TMJ symptoms after an injury. For others, their symptoms develop gradually without any obvious cause. Teeth grinding, jaw clenching, poor posture, everyday stress, and repetitive habits can all place extra strain on the joint over time.

Chewing gum frequently, eating tough foods like steak, or sleeping in a position that keeps the jaw under tension may contribute for some individuals. Often, it’s several smaller factors working together rather than one single event.

When Symptoms Travel Beyond the Jaw

It’s common for people to wonder why their jaw hurts when the pain or discomfort seems to be everywhere else.

Because the jaw shares close muscular and neurological relationships with the neck and upper spine, irritation in one area may be associated with symptoms in another. That’s why some people notice headaches, shoulder tightness, ringing in the ears, or neck discomfort alongside jaw problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chiropractic care help with TMJ symptoms?

Because the jaw and upper cervical spine are closely connected, chiropractic care may help address mechanical and muscular factors associated with TMJ discomfort. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether spinal and muscle dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms.

Why do I have headaches and neck pain along with jaw pain?

The muscles and nerves controlling the jaw share close relationships with structures in the neck and upper spine. Tension in one area often affects the other, which is why these symptoms frequently occur together.

Is stress really a factor in TMJ disorders?

For many people, yes. Here’s why: emotional stress often causes unconscious clenching, grinding, and muscle tension. Over time, this added strain can place significant pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding tissues.

Book an Appointment

Jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds aren’t things you should just learn to live with. Contact Ballas Chiropractic and Nutrition Centre today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and find out what may be causing your symptoms.

divider

Office Hours