Clicking. Popping. Jaw pain. Headaches. Tightness when you chew, yawn, or talk. If you're living with TMJ dysfunction, you know how exhausting it can be. What starts as minor discomfort often escalates into chronic pain, limited movement, and daily frustration.
At Zenith Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Dr. John Stenberg helps patients find real, lasting relief from TMJ dysfunction—by addressing the underlying structural and neurological imbalances that most providers overlook.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s one of the most used joints in the body—and one of the most complex.
TMJ dysfunction (also called TMD) occurs when the joint doesn’t move properly or becomes irritated. This can lead to:
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Jaw pain or tenderness
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Clicking or popping sounds
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Headaches or earaches
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Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
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Facial pain or tension
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Neck stiffness or pain
While many patients seek dental or orthopedic solutions, the root of TMJ dysfunction often lies above the jaw—in the upper cervical spine and the way the head is positioned on the neck.
The Missing Piece: Your Upper Cervical Spine
The top of your spine—called the upper cervical region—controls the alignment of your head, jaw, and neck. It also houses the brainstem and plays a critical role in muscle tone, coordination, and nerve function in the face and jaw.
When this area becomes misaligned (often from past injuries, whiplash, or chronic posture issues), it can throw off the balance of the jaw joint, leading to abnormal motion, tight muscles, and painful compensation patterns.
This misalignment can cause or worsen TMJ symptoms—even if your jaw itself appears fine.
Dr. John Stenberg’s Approach: Gentle, Targeted, and Results-Driven
Dr. Stenberg specializes in Upper Cervical Chiropractic, a highly focused technique that corrects misalignments at the top of the spine—without twisting, popping, or heavy force.
How he helps TMJ patients:
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Advanced Imaging & Assessment
Dr. Stenberg uses precise diagnostics to evaluate your spine, posture, and nervous system function to find the root cause of your jaw dysfunction. -
Light-Touch Adjustments
Upper Cervical care involves specific, gentle corrections—allowing the body to realign without unnecessary stress on the jaw or neck. -
Comprehensive Care Plans
Every patient receives personalized recommendations based on their unique structural issues, health goals, and history. -
Whole-Body Support
As balance is restored to the spine and nervous system, many patients experience relief from not only jaw pain—but headaches, neck pain, and stress-related tension as well.
What Patients Often Report
Patients receiving Upper Cervical care for TMJ symptoms often notice:
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Reduced jaw pain and tightness
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Improved bite alignment and jaw motion
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Decrease in clenching or grinding (especially at night)
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Fewer tension headaches and facial discomfort
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Improved posture and less neck stiffness
These improvements are not just a coincidence—they’re the result of correcting the underlying instability that’s been contributing to the problem all along.
TMJ Relief That Lasts
Traditional treatments like mouthguards, pain medications, or Botox may offer temporary relief—but they don’t address the structural imbalances that cause TMJ dysfunction to begin with.
By correcting the misalignments that influence jaw function, Dr. Stenberg helps your body stabilize and heal naturally—leading to longer-lasting results without invasive treatments.
Ready to Get to the Root?
At Zenith Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Dr. John Stenberg helps patients finally get relief from TMJ dysfunction by focusing on the upper spine and nervous system—the true foundation of jaw health.