TMD / TMJ Treatment in Novato
TMJ treatment in Novato, CA for jaw clicking, locking and aching: gentle chiropractic, soft-tissue and posture care alongside your dentist. Book an exam.
Chiropractic care for TMD / TMJ
Get to the root of your TMD / TMJ
Also known as: TMJ Disorder, Jaw Pain, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Jaw pain that clicks, pops, locks, or just aches all day is more than an annoyance — it affects eating, talking, and sleeping, and it often brings relentless headaches along for the ride. Our TMJ treatment in Novato, CA looks beyond the jaw itself: Dr. Douglas DeSalvo evaluates the neck tension, postural patterns, and muscle imbalances that frequently drive TMD, and builds a gentle, drug-free plan to address them.
Symptoms of TMD / TMJ
- ✓Clicking, popping, or grinding when you open or close your mouth
- ✓Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint, in front of the ear, or along the jaw line
- ✓Limited mouth opening or a jaw that gets stuck or locks
- ✓Headaches — especially in the temples or at the base of the skull
- ✓Facial muscle aching, tightness, or fatigue when chewing
- ✓Ear pain, fullness, or ringing (tinnitus) with no apparent ear cause
- ✓Neck and upper shoulder tension that accompanies jaw symptoms
Common causes
- Muscle imbalance and chronic clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Poor posture and forward-head position straining the upper cervical spine
- Restricted upper cervical joints altering jaw mechanics
- Bite misalignment from missing teeth, dental work, or a poor-fitting appliance
- Injury or trauma to the jaw, chin, or neck (including whiplash)
- Stress-driven jaw tension and teeth grinding during sleep
- Repetitive strain from prolonged gum chewing or wide mouth opening
Our approach
How we treat TMD / TMJ in Novato
- Step 1
Thorough exam
We review your jaw, neck, and posture and perform orthopedic and muscle testing to map what's driving your TMD — and coordinate with your dentist when bite or splint needs are identified.
- Step 2
A clear, personalized plan
You leave the first visit with a plain-English explanation of what we found and a specific, time-bound care plan — not open-ended treatment with no finish line.
- Step 3
Jaw, neck & posture care
We combine gentle jaw and cervical adjustments, targeted soft-tissue work to the jaw and upper back, and corrective exercise to correct posture and relieve the muscle tension that keeps TMD active.
The basics
Understanding TMD / TMJ
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. They work in tandem with a disc, muscles, and ligaments to let you chew, speak, and yawn — and they're in near-constant motion. When the disc, the muscles, or the joint mechanics become unbalanced, you get the clicking, pain, limited opening, and headaches that define TMD. Bite issues and tooth grinding (bruxism) play a role, but so does forward-head posture, upper cervical joint restriction, and chronic tension in the jaw and neck muscles — all areas chiropractic care can address.
That's why a co-management approach suits many TMD patients: Dr. DeSalvo addresses the jaw, neck, and upper-back mechanics while your dentist manages the bite and any splint therapy. Together, those two tracks cover more of the problem than either one alone. If you haven't seen a dentist yet for your jaw, we can help you coordinate that referral.
One visit. Real answers. A plan made for you.
Reserved for new patients: an unhurried first visit with Dr. DeSalvo himself. Your one-on-one consultation, comprehensive exam, muscle and nerve function assessment and first treatment, plus a care plan designed around you, all for $97.
What your New Patient Special includes
- A one-on-one consultation with Dr. DeSalvo
- A comprehensive exam
- A muscle & nerve function assessment
- Your first treatment
- A customized care plan, built around your goals
New patients only, one per person. X-rays are not included. If you choose to continue care, your care plan and its pricing are discussed with you up front. Not available for automobile-accident or personal-injury cases. Read the full New Patient Special disclaimer.
TMD and jaw pain — types we treat
TMJ disorder shows up differently from person to person. We regularly help Novato-area patients with:
- Jaw clicking and popping — often caused by disc displacement within the TMJ. Soft-tissue work and gentle mobilization help reduce noise and discomfort over time.
- Jaw muscle pain and tightness — chronic clenching and bruxism overload the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. Myofascial release and corrective exercise release and re-pattern those muscles.
- Cervicogenic jaw pain — upper cervical joint restriction that alters jaw mechanics and amplifies TMD. Closely linked to neck pain; we address both in the same plan.
- TMD-related headaches — referred pain from the jaw and upper cervical spine into the temples or skull base. Often overlaps with headaches and migraines; treating the jaw and neck together can help both.
- Post-trauma TMD — jaw and neck injuries from whiplash, a blow to the chin, or dental procedures can set off TMD months later. After a collision, our auto accident care includes documenting the timeline carefully for insurance purposes.
- Posture-driven TMD — forward-head posture increases compressive load on the TMJ and the upper cervical spine simultaneously. Corrective exercise and posture retraining are central to lasting relief.
Your exam tells us which pattern fits your jaw — so your plan is built for you, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
When to see a chiropractor in Novato
Jaw pain is less likely to settle on its own when neck tension and posture are contributing factors. Consider booking an exam if you notice:
- Jaw clicking, popping, or grinding that is painful or worsening
- Trouble opening your mouth fully or a jaw that catches or locks
- Facial muscle aching that lingers through the day or wakes you up
- Headaches in the temples or at the base of your skull alongside jaw symptoms
- Neck stiffness or upper-shoulder tension that seems linked to your jaw pain
- Jaw pain that started after a car accident, sports collision, or dental procedure
If jaw symptoms are accompanied by facial numbness, sudden difficulty swallowing, or signs of joint infection such as swelling, redness, and fever, seek urgent medical evaluation — these can indicate conditions outside the scope of conservative care.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment takes about 45–60 minutes, and it’s focused on understanding what’s driving your jaw pain before we treat it. Here’s how it goes:
- Listen to your story — when the symptoms started, what triggers clicking or locking, whether you grind your teeth, and how jaw pain is affecting eating, sleep, and daily life.
- Examine thoroughly — jaw range of motion, cervical orthopedic and postural testing, and muscle palpation to map the mechanical drivers of your TMD.
- Explain what we found — in plain English, with a specific, time-bound care plan and realistic expectations; we’ll flag whether a dental co-management referral makes sense for you.
- Start care when appropriate — many patients receive gentle cervical and jaw soft-tissue work on the first visit and leave with simple home exercises to start easing muscle tension.
You’re never locked into open-ended treatment — just a clear plan with a real finish line.
Drug-free TMJ relief — without medication or surgery
Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories can briefly quiet jaw pain, but they don’t correct the forward-head posture, upper cervical restriction, or muscle imbalance that keeps TMD active. Surgery is rarely needed for TMD and carries real recovery risks. Chiropractic care offers a third path — ease the pain and address what’s driving it, without drugs or downtime. For patients across Novato and Marin County, the goal is eating, sleeping, and talking comfortably again — and staying there. And if your exam ever suggests you need dental splint therapy, imaging, or specialist evaluation, we’ll tell you honestly and help coordinate that care.
Why Novato-area patients choose DeSalvo Chiropractic
Patients across Novato and Marin County choose us because we look at the whole picture — not just the jaw. Dr. DeSalvo addresses the cervical mechanics, posture, and muscle tension that amplify TMD, working alongside your dentist rather than competing with them. Gentle chiropractic adjustments, hands-on myofascial release for the jaw and upper back, and targeted corrective exercise are combined into one clear plan — aimed at relief now and the tools to help keep TMD from coming back.
Ready to get started? Our New Patient Special makes your first visit easy, and you can book an appointment online in under a minute.
Why choose chiropractic
Chiropractic care vs. the typical TMJ routine
| Comparison factor | Chiropractic Care | Pain Meds & Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Addresses the root cause | ✓Corrects jaw, neck & posture mechanics | ✕Masks the symptoms |
| Drug-free & non-invasive | ✓Always | ✕Rarely |
| Risk of side effects | ✓Minimal | ✕Higher (meds, surgery) |
| Personalized to you | ✓Custom care plan | ✕One-size-fits-all |
| Treats posture & muscle patterns | ✓Built into the plan | ✕Seldom addressed |
| Typical recovery experience | ✓Active & gradual | ✕Often lengthy or recurring |
Treatment options
Services we use to relieve TMD / TMJ
Chiropractic Care
Gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments in Novato, CA that restore motion to restricted joints and relieve back pain, neck pain, and headaches at the source.
Learn more →Arthrostim Adjusting
Gentle Arthrostim adjusting in Novato, CA — rapid, low-force instrument impulses help restore joint motion without twisting or cracking. Book your first visit.
Learn more →Myofascial Release
Myofascial release in Novato, CA — slow, sustained hands-on pressure that frees tight fascia to ease neck, back, shoulder, and arm pain. Book your first visit.
Learn more →Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy in Novato, CA — corrective exercise, manual therapy, and rehab that rebuild strength and help keep back, neck, and shoulder pain from returning.
Learn more →Laser Therapy
Laser therapy in Novato, CA — Class IV and low-level laser that helps calm inflammation and ease soft-tissue and joint pain, with no downtime. Book a visit.
Learn more →Related conditions
Other conditions we treat in Novato
Patient reviews
What our Novato patients say
“I had a great experience at DeSalvo Chiropractic! Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and professional, and I felt comfortable from the moment I walked in. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure I understood what they were doing throughout my visit.”
“Great chiropractic service! The staff was friendly and professional, and I felt comfortable throughout my visit. The treatment was helpful, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for quality chiropractic care.”
“I am an avid tennis player with the usual tennis injuries and Dr. Desalvo has helped me play again without pain!”
What causes TMJ disorder (TMD)?
TMD usually comes from a combination of factors — muscle imbalance from grinding or clenching, forward-head posture that loads the upper cervical spine and alters jaw mechanics, bite misalignment, or past trauma to the jaw or neck. Our exam identifies which of these is contributing to your symptoms so we can target the real source.
Can a chiropractor help TMJ pain?
Often, yes. Chiropractors address the neck, upper-back, and jaw-muscle components of TMD, which complements the bite-focused care your dentist provides. Gentle adjustments to the upper cervical spine, soft-tissue work along the jaw and masseter muscles, and posture correction may help reduce jaw pain, clicking, and headaches.
How many visits will I need for TMJ relief?
It varies based on how long you've had symptoms and what's driving them. After your exam, Dr. DeSalvo gives you a specific, time-bound care plan with a clear endpoint — not ongoing open-ended visits.
Will my insurance cover TMJ treatment at a chiropractor?
Many plans cover chiropractic care for TMD-related complaints. Share your insurance details and we'll verify your benefits before your first visit so there are no surprises.
Is chiropractic care for TMJ safe?
Yes. We use gentle, targeted techniques appropriate for the jaw and upper cervical spine, and we screen every patient thoroughly before beginning care. Side effects are generally minimal.
Should I see a chiropractor or a dentist for TMJ?
Ideally both. Dentists and orthodontists manage bite correction and splint therapy; chiropractors address the joint mechanics, neck tension, and postural patterns that amplify jaw pain. Co-management is often the most complete approach, and Dr. DeSalvo is glad to coordinate with your dentist.
Can TMJ cause headaches?
Very commonly, yes. The muscles and joints of the jaw share nerve pathways with the upper cervical spine, so TMD frequently refers pain into the temples, behind the eyes, or at the base of the skull. Treating the jaw and neck together may help with both jaw pain and headache frequency. Learn more on our headaches page.
Can teeth grinding cause jaw and neck pain?
Absolutely. Bruxism (grinding or clenching, often during sleep) chronically overloads the masseter and temporalis muscles and the TMJ, leading to morning jaw pain, headaches, and referred neck tension. Soft-tissue work and corrective exercise address the muscle component while your dentist manages the bite.
Do I need imaging before starting TMJ treatment?
Not usually. Most TMD is diagnosed clinically through your history, jaw-range-of-motion testing, and muscle palpation. If we suspect disc displacement or structural change that would alter your care, we'll discuss appropriate imaging or refer to your dentist for a panoramic X-ray.
What if my jaw locks open or closed?
An acutely locked jaw warrants prompt evaluation. For intermittent locking between visits, gentle jaw mobilization and muscle work may help improve range of motion and reduce how often it happens. If locking is severe or doesn't respond to conservative care, we'll coordinate referral to an oral surgeon.