The Temporal Mandibular Joints (TMJ) are located in front of the right and left ears. They connect the lower jaw (the mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. They are the most complex joints in the body, richly endowed with nerves and muscles that allow coordinated movements in a wide range of movement. Temporomandibular disorders comprise a collection of conditions affecting one or both jaw joints and/or their associated muscles and other tissues.

Symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:

• pain or stiffness in making normal jaw movements
• painful or limited movement in chewing
• popping or clicking sounds in the jaw
• headaches/ringing in the ears
• pain in jaw, face, neck or shoulders
• facial/neck muscle spasms

A small percentage of TMJ disorders may need medical or orthodontic intervention.

However, the vast majority of TMJ pain is due to:

• Jaw muscle strain or injury
• Teeth clenching or grinding (“bruxism”)
• A displaced disk
• Misalignment or poor posture in head and neck carriage
• Stress, muscle tension in face, head, neck and shoulders

Dr. Bergstrom’s combination of chiropractic understanding of musculoskeletal functioning, directed soft tissue manipulation, postural body work, and assessment of muscular stress is perfect for the treatment of most TMJ disorders. Dr. Bergstrom has developed and refined his focused treatment of these disorders over the years and developed a specialty practice in the treatment of TMJ disorders.