If chewing a sandwich on the Marietta Square leaves your jaw sore, or you wake up with a tight jaw and a headache, a closer look at the jaw, neck, and posture may help explain why. Our nearby Smyrna office offers that kind of exam as a complement to dental care.
Dr. James Wright received his chiropractic degree at Life University in Marietta and later earned a diplomate in functional neurology through the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. He is not a dentist, so he works with your dentist or TMJ specialist and does not provide dental appliances.
Mayo Clinic says constant jaw pain or tenderness, pain with jaw movement, or being unable to fully open or close the jaw are reasons to see a healthcare professional (December 2024). Our exam looks at how the jaw tracks, how the chewing muscles feel, and how the neck moves. The TMJ and jaw pain page explains more.
The first consultation is complimentary, we are private-pay, and visits are one-on-one. We take time to ask about the pain: where it sits, what sets it off, whether chewing hard or cold foods makes it worse, and whether it changes through the day. Those answers help us decide where to look first and what to leave alone.
Mayo explains that TMJ causes can include a shifting disc, strained ligaments, arthritis, a blow to the joint, or muscle spasm, and that the cause is often unclear. We cannot say which applies to you before we examine you. We offer:
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
Jaw tension often builds with stress, driving, and screen time. We help you recognize triggers and build breaks into your routine.
Postural strain and jaw problems may feed each other, so we examine both. If neck pain is part of your story, see our neck pain treatment in Marietta page.
Your dentist may recommend a mouth guard or other steps. We build exercises and habit changes that fit alongside them.
Mayo lists headache among the symptoms of TMJ disorders. If you have both, our migraine care page for Marietta may help.
Marietta is the Cobb County seat, with the Square and Glover Park at its center. The drive south to Smyrna on Cobb Parkway or South Cobb Drive is short for most people. Kennesaw, East Cobb, Acworth, and Powder Springs are nearby. Life University, Dr. Wright's alma mater, is a familiar local landmark.
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.
Any recommendations, X-ray reports, or a night guard you currently use. They help us understand what has already been tried, and we will not contradict your dentist's plan.
We discuss every technique before using it, and we choose gentle approaches when they fit. You can decline anything.
A jaw that locks and will not open or close fully should be seen promptly by a healthcare professional.
Gentle pressure around the jaw muscles can find tender spots, and we work within what you can tolerate. Tell us when something is too much and we change course.
Stress can lead to clenching, which loads the jaw. We help you notice and address habits.
Call 770-767-3830 or book a complimentary consultation. The contact page has directions.
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]