A jaw that clicks, aches, or catches when you open your mouth can interfere with eating, talking, and sleeping. At our Smyrna, GA office we evaluate TMJ-related symptoms by examining how the jaw moves, how the surrounding muscles feel, and how the neck and posture may be contributing.
Dr. James Wright is a Doctor of Chiropractic and a diplomate in functional neurology through the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. He is not a dentist or oral surgeon, so we work alongside your dentist or TMJ specialist and do not make or adjust dental appliances. Jaw pain with chest pressure or shortness of breath can be a heart attack: call 911.
Mayo Clinic describes TMJ disorders as pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that move the jaw. Symptoms include jaw tenderness, aching in and around the ear, trouble chewing, locking of the joint, headache, and neck pain, and clicking with no pain or limited movement usually does not need treatment (Mayo Clinic, December 2024). Because jaw, head, and neck symptoms overlap, we look at all three, rather than treating the jaw as a separate problem. That means checking how far and how evenly the jaw opens, whether it deviates to one side, how the chewing muscles respond to gentle pressure, and how the upper neck moves. See our TMJ and jaw pain page for a broader overview.
We keep care one-on-one. The first consultation is complimentary, and ongoing care is private-pay.
Mayo notes the cause of a TMJ disorder is often hard to identify and frequently involves several factors, and that self-managed home care, jaw physical therapy, and a mouth guard can be effective, with surgery usually a last resort. Our role is the conservative end of that range:
A complimentary first consultation about jaw pain, clicking, locking, and headaches
Review of dental history and habits such as clenching, with a suggestion to see a dentist when needed
Examination of jaw movement, the jaw muscles, and the neck
Posture and head-position assessment
Myofascial release for the jaw, face, and neck muscles when it fits
Chiropractic care for the neck when it fits
Exercises and guidance on habits that load the jaw
Coordination with your dentist or TMJ specialist, with your permission
We examine movement and tension in the muscles around the jaw and design exercises meant to support smoother, more comfortable motion.
Many people have jaw and head symptoms together. Our page on migraine care in Smyrna describes how we evaluate headaches, which can overlap with jaw tension.
Clenching, nail biting, chewing gum, and holding the phone against your shoulder load the jaw. We help you notice which apply to you.
Your dentist handles teeth and bite. We handle what we can examine, and we share findings if you permit.
Smyrna, about ten miles northwest of Atlanta, has I-285, I-75, and Cobb Parkway close to the office on Atlanta Road. Nearby communities include Vinings, Mableton, Austell, and Cumberland.
If another location is easier, see our pages for Marietta and Atlanta. TMJ often comes with neck pain, which is covered in our neck pain treatment in Smyrna page.
1. Reach out: Call or book. Sudden jaw pain with chest pressure or shortness of breath needs 911, not an appointment.
2. Your jaw history: Dr. Wright asks about clicking, locking, clenching, headaches, dental work, and what you have tried.
3. Examination: A look at how the jaw moves, the muscles around it, the neck, and posture.
4. Findings: We explain what we found and whether a dentist or TMJ specialist should be involved.
5. Care: Care may combine hands-on soft tissue work, neck care, and jaw and posture exercises.
6. Review: We track pain and movement and adjust the plan, working with your dentist when you want us to.
A dentist or TMJ specialist can look at teeth and the joint itself. We are comfortable working in parallel and sharing findings.
No. Mouth guards come from your dentist.
Bring any notes from your dentist, a list of medicines, and a description of when the jaw bothers you most, such as first thing in the morning or after long meals. If you wear a night guard, bring it so we can see what you are using.
Not necessarily. Mayo says clicking without pain or limited movement likely needs no treatment. Pain, locking, or trouble opening are reasons to be examined.
We aim to support comfort and function and tell you what we find.
Call 770-767-3830 or schedule a complimentary consultation. The contact page has our address.
Next steps
Your symptoms are part of the story, and we'd love to help you understand the rest. Book a consult online, or give us a call and we'll walk you through it. Your initial consultation is complimentary, with no obligation to begin care.
You can book a consultation online. Other appointments are booked by our clinic staff. [email protected]